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Malware Reverse Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Cmu

Reverse Engineer Researcher

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

You enjoy working on emerging and complex malware analysis and reverse engineering problems. * You have an analytical mindset and deep curiosity about how software works. * You have the ability to ...

Penn State

Vulnerability Research Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Reverse engineering, vulnerability research, malware analysis, and/or CNO tool development * Computer networking fundamentals, Windows and *NIX operating systems, X86(64) and ARM or MIPS ...

The Pennsylvania State University

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Reverse engineering, vulnerability research, malware analysis, and/or CNO tool development * Computer networking fundamentals, Windows and *NIX operating systems, X86(64) and ARM or MIPS ...

Cmu

Senior Technical Engagement Lead

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

The Platform and Mission Engineering team develops and maintains tools, environments, and operational support for the malware analysis, reverse engineering, vulnerability analysis, and AI security ...

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Malware Reverse Engineer information

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$82.2K

$136.6K

$195.5K

How much do malware reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for malware reverse engineer in Pennsylvania is $136,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $178,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a malware reverse engineer do?

A Malware Reverse Engineer analyzes malicious software to understand its functionality, origin, and potential impact. They use tools like debuggers, disassemblers, and virtual environments to deconstruct malware and identify vulnerabilities or attack patterns. Their work helps in developing security defenses, creating detection signatures, and improving incident response. This role requires strong knowledge of programming, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a malware reverse engineer?

To thrive as a Malware Reverse Engineer, you need strong expertise in reverse engineering, assembly language, and programming, often backed by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity and experience with malware analysis. Familiarity with tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, and relevant certifications like GREM or OSCP is highly valued. Analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and clear written communication are important soft skills in this field. These skills ensure accurate identification, dissection, and documentation of malicious code, supporting effective threat response and mitigation.

What are some typical challenges faced by malware reverse engineers in their daily work?

Malware Reverse Engineers frequently encounter highly complex or obfuscated malware designed to resist analysis, which can make the process both time-consuming and mentally demanding. Staying ahead of constantly evolving attack techniques requires ongoing learning and adaptability. The role often involves collaborating with incident response teams, threat intelligence analysts, and security researchers to provide clear, actionable insights on emerging threats. Successfully overcoming these challenges is critical for protecting organizational assets and staying current with the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

Can you reverse engineer malware?

A malware reverse engineer analyzes malicious software to understand its behavior, techniques, and purpose. This process involves using specialized tools like disassemblers and debuggers and requires strong knowledge of programming, assembly language, and cybersecurity principles.

How much do malware reverse engineers make?

Malware reverse engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior professionals with specialized skills in reverse engineering tools and techniques can earn higher salaries, especially in cybersecurity-focused roles or with certifications like GREM or OSCP.

What are the most commonly searched types of Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Malware Reverse Engineer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Malware Reverse Engineer job openings:

Malware Reverse Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Malware Reverse Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,613 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

Reverse Engineer Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Summary:
Carnegie Mellon University is a leading institution in software engineering and computer security, seeking a Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. The role involves reverse engineering malicious code, developing analysis methods, and collaborating within the security community to address emerging threats.
Responsibilities:
• Reverse engineer malicious code in support of high-impact customers, design and develop new analysis methods and tools, work to identify and address emerging and complex threats, and effectively participate in the broader security community
• Perform in-depth reverse engineering of malicious code, document and transition results in reports, presentations, and technical exchanges
• Explore ways to use artificial intelligence to support of reverse engineering and apply reverse engineering practices to artificial intelligence systems
• Design, prototype, and transition new analysis methods and tools
• Identify and document emerging and complex active security threats
• Participate in the broader security community through collaboration, papers, and presentations
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS in Computer Science or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience.
• Enjoy working on emerging and complex malware analysis and reverse engineering problems.
• Have an analytical mindset and deep curiosity about how software works.
• Ability to balance rapid prototyping with maintainable tool development.
• Strong technical writing experience.
• Recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information.
• Able to handle continual shifting priorities.
• Enjoy mentoring and training others as well as sharing knowledge.
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission including sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion.
• Subject to a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.
• Experience with or knowledge of reverse engineering software binaries for a variety of architectures, both at the user level and kernel level.
• Static analysis tools (e.g. IDA Pro, NSA Ghidra, Binary Ninja).
• User-level and kernel-level debuggers (e.g. x32dbg, x64dbg, gdb, WinDbg).
• Native programming languages (e.g. C/C++).
• High-level programming languages (e.g. Java, Python, GoLang, etc.).
• Software engineering and design concepts.
• Firmware and device driver development.
• Malware tradecraft and threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Malware signature creation and use, independent of detection technology.
• Operating system concepts and internals and binary file formats (e.g. PE, ELF, Mach-O, etc.).
• Internet Protocols and network analysis tools (e.g. Wireshark, netcat, etc.).
• Compiler theory, cryptography, and malware deobfuscation techniques.
• Mobile device development and reverse engineering.
• Malware sandboxes or instrumentation frameworks (e.g., Frida, QEMU, Unicorn Engine).
• General understanding and experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning and using artificial intelligence to support reverse engineering and malware analysis.
Company:
Carnegie Mellon University is a research university offering programs and research across engineering, science, arts, and business. Founded in 1900, the company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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