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Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Markon

Reverse Engineer Level 2

Fort George G Meade, MD

$150K - $180K/yr

... engineering efforts. The engineer will work both independently and as part of a team to deliver high-quality technical solutions and insights. Responsibilities * Perform reverse engineering of ...

Markon

Reverse Engineer Level 2

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... engineering efforts. The engineer will work both independently and as part of a team to deliver high-quality technical solutions and insights. Responsibilities * Perform reverse engineering of ...

Markon

Reverse Engineer Level 2

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... engineering efforts. The engineer will work both independently and as part of a team to deliver high-quality technical solutions and insights. * Perform reverse engineering of hardware components ...

Cmu

Reverse Engineer Researcher

Pittsburgh, PA

About the role The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a ... Malware signature creation and use, independent of detection technology * Operating system concepts ...

Cmu

Reverse Engineer Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

About the role The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a ... Malware signature creation and use, independent of detection technology * Operating system concepts ...

Sentar, Inc.

Reverse Engineer 3

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

Experience with malware reverse engineering is required and expertise with Ghidra and/or IDA Pro is ... Sentar is proudly an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Federal Contractor Employer M/F/Vets/Persons with ...

Sentar

Reverse Engineer 3

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

Experience with malware reverse engineering is required and expertise with Ghidra and/or IDA Pro is ... Sentar is proudly an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Federal Contractor Employer M/F/Vets/Persons with ...

SW Complete

Reverse Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

The Contractor shall provide deep technical expertise in malware reverse engineering and documentation of analytic findings: * Operationalize in-depth technical understanding of malware properties ...

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Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering information

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$82K

$136.3K

$195K

How much do independent contractor reverse engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor reverse engineering in the United States is $136,286.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $178,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Independent Contractor Reverse Engineer?

An Independent Contractor Reverse Engineer is a professional who is hired on a contract basis to analyze and deconstruct products, software, or systems to understand their design, functionality, or to identify vulnerabilities. They use specialized tools and techniques to examine how something works, often with the goal of improving it, ensuring compatibility, or enhancing security. Unlike full-time employees, independent contractors work for themselves and may take on projects from multiple clients. This role is common in industries like software development, electronics, and cybersecurity.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering vs Software Developer?

AspectIndependent Contractor Reverse EngineeringSoftware Developer
CredentialsTechnical certifications, reverse engineering coursesComputer science degree, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, often remoteFull-time, office or remote
Industry UsageTech, cybersecurity, patent analysisSoftware companies, tech startups
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve technical skills, Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering focuses on analyzing and understanding existing software or hardware, often on a freelance basis. Software Developers create new software products and applications. The key difference lies in reverse engineering being more investigative and specialized, whereas software development emphasizes building and coding new solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Independent Contractor in Reverse Engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor in Reverse Engineering, you need a strong background in computer science, proficiency in assembly language, and experience with software analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like CEH or OSCP. Familiarity with technical tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, and Hex-Rays is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, analytical thinking, and attention to detail help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively analyzing complex software, identifying vulnerabilities, and delivering high-quality findings to clients.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractors in reverse engineering projects?

Independent contractors in reverse engineering often face challenges such as limited access to original documentation, tight project deadlines, and the need to stay updated on evolving technologies. Working independently requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Contractors must also ensure compliance with legal and ethical guidelines, particularly regarding intellectual property rights, while collaborating with clients and, at times, remote teams.
More about Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Reverse Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Reverse Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering jobs are:
Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Reverse Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,286 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

Vulnerability Researcher / Reverse Engineer

Intezra, Inc.

Columbia, MD • On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Vulnerability Researcher / Reverse Engineer

Columbia, MD | Full Time | Top Secret clearance or above required*

Position: Vulnerability Researcher / Reverse Engineer

Location: Columbia, MD (on-site)

Category: Software Development / Reverse Engineering / Vulnerability Research

Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secret or above (TS/SCI or TS/SCI with Polygraph welcome)

Compensation: $150,000 – $250,000 (annualized USD)

Experience Requirement:

  • 5+ years of software engineering, reverse engineering, or vulnerability research experience with a Bachelor's degree, OR

  • 3+ years with a Master's degree, OR

  • 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree

Description

You will act as a general-purpose, 'jack of all trades' reverse engineer / developer embedded within a small, fast-moving team. You'll combine reverse engineering of complex, networked code bases with hands-on development and testing in support of the team's work — and you'll bring enough analyst instinct to help frame problems, run down leads, and explain what you find to the people who need to act on it.

This is hands-on, deeply technical work where your impact is visible quickly: what you analyze, what you build, and what you discover all feed directly into the team's roadmap.

Responsibilities

  • Reverse engineer complex networked code bases to drive understanding and surface vulnerabilities.

  • Develop and test software in support of the team's research and capability needs.

  • Collaborate with analysts on their goals and identify where your effort moves them forward.

  • Help customers articulate what they actually want, then translate that into clear technical work.

  • Use analyst skills to run down your own analytical leads when needed.

  • Document findings, code, and design decisions so the rest of the team can build on them.

Skills Requirements

  • Solid reverse engineering skills across at least one platform family (Linux, Windows, embedded, or mobile).

  • Strong software development skills in at least one systems language (C, C++, Python, Go, or Rust).

  • Familiarity with network protocols and analysis of network traffic.

  • Comfort working independently as well as collaboratively on a small team.

  • Familiarity with Git and Atlassian tooling (Jira, Confluence).

  • Clear written and verbal communication.

Nice to Haves

  • Experience discovering novel software vulnerabilities.

  • Experience with exploit development.

  • Background reverse-engineering firmware, embedded devices, or mobile platforms.

  • Familiarity with Ghidra, IDA Pro, radare2, or similar RE tooling.

  • Experience with vulnerability research methodologies (fuzzing, static analysis, symbolic execution).

Compensation Employment Policy

Salary is determined by multiple factors, including location, education, experience, skills, and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $150,000 – $250,000 (annualized USD).

Benefits Overview

At Intezra, Inc., we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support long-term career growth and work-life balance:

  • Three CareFirst medical plans available; Intezra pays up to 100% of healthcare premiums and up to 100% of deductibles (based on plan selection) for employees and dependents

  • Intezra pays 100% for CareFirst Dental and Vision plans for employees and dependents

  • 401(k): 15% company contribution (no match required)

  • PTO: 160 hours, increasing with seniority

  • 12 Floating Holidays

  • 4 Code Red Days

EEO Statement

Intezra, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, pregnancy, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

About Us

Intezra Inc. is a small business prime contractor for all realms of cyber and AI/ML development, from tactical-level tools and capabilities to enterprise-level infrastructure and operations. Our leadership team and staff have helped solve the most complex challenges for the intelligence community for over 15 years.

, About Intezra, Inc.

Intezra Inc. is a small business prime contractor for all realms of cyber and AI/ML development, from tactical-level tools and capabilities to enterprise-level infrastructure and operations. Our leadership team and staff have helped solve the most complex challenges for the intelligence community for over 15 years.