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Reverse Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

You are a reverse engineer that decompiles malicious code. You know how to spot the "evil" and not fall for the deceptive code written by hackers to throw you off their trail. You have the skills to ...

They are seeking a Software Reverse Engineer to analyze vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems and develop innovative cybersecurity solutions. Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex ...

They are hiring a Software Reverse Engineer who will be responsible for reverse engineering complex software and firmware, developing automated tools, and solving real-world problems impacting ...

Software Reverse Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a skilled Software Reverse Engineer to join our team and provide support to a DoD customer in Bethesda, MD. As a Software Reverse Engineer, you will be responsible for conducting ...

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

They are seeking a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who will reverse engineer complex software or firmware, develop innovative cybersecurity solutions, and lead multi-discipline teams to tackle ...

Job Summary : STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This position offers an excellent ...

STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This opportunity will be part of a multidisciplinary team ...

STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This opportunity will be part of a multidisciplinary team ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

A leading embedded security firm is hiring a Reverse Engineer to join their team supporting advanced research and real-world exploitation across embedded hardware and firmware. This is a full time, ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

They are hiring a Senior Reverse Engineer to conduct research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems, reverse engineer complex software, and develop automated analysis tools.

STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This opportunity will be part of a multidisciplinary team ...

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Reverse Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$85.3K

$141.8K

$202.9K

How much do reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for reverse engineer in Reston, VA is $141,785.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,600.00 and $185,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Reverse Engineer?

A reverse engineer is a software developer or programmer who specializes in analyzing software to figure out the code base of a program. The tools and techniques they use are helpful in trying to identify and exploit weaknesses in a product’s source code, developing solutions to security holes, and recreating proprietary functionality from a competitor’s product. As a reverse engineer, your job duties include studying and analyzing software programs and online applications, using developer tools to parse code, and creating quality solutions.

What jobs use reverse engineering?

Reverse engineering is used in roles such as cybersecurity analysts, software developers, malware analysts, and hardware engineers. These professionals analyze software, hardware, or systems to identify vulnerabilities, understand how they work, or develop compatible products, often using tools like disassemblers and debuggers.

What is the difference between Reverse Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectReverse EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in Computer Science or related field; strong understanding of programming and systemsDegree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; programming skills essential
Work EnvironmentOften in cybersecurity, security firms, or R&D; may involve analyzing proprietary or legacy softwareIn software companies, tech startups, or IT departments; developing new applications and systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in cybersecurity, software analysis, and malware investigationUsed across tech, finance, healthcare, and many other industries for product development

While both roles require strong programming skills and a background in computer science, Reverse Engineers focus on analyzing existing software, often for security or compatibility purposes. Software Developers create new software solutions. The roles differ mainly in their objectives and work environments, but share foundational technical skills.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology or finance. Executive or lead engineering roles often include such compensation levels, particularly when combined with bonuses and stock options.

What are some common challenges faced by reverse engineers when working on proprietary software or hardware?

Reverse engineers often encounter challenges such as obfuscated code, lack of documentation, and anti-tamper mechanisms designed to prevent analysis. Working with proprietary systems can require extensive problem-solving and persistence to understand undocumented protocols or custom algorithms. Collaboration with security analysts and developers is common, especially when identifying vulnerabilities or developing interoperability solutions. Staying up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques is crucial, as software protections continually evolve.

What is a reverse engineer?

A reverse engineer is a professional who analyzes hardware or software systems to understand their design, functionality, and operation. They often work to identify vulnerabilities, recreate proprietary technologies, or ensure compatibility with other systems. Reverse engineers use specialized tools and techniques to deconstruct and study products, which is especially common in cybersecurity, software development, and electronics. Their work helps improve security, troubleshoot issues, and sometimes develop new innovations based on existing products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reverse Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reverse Engineer, you need expertise in computer programming, software debugging, and a solid understanding of operating systems and low-level software architecture, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, and knowledge of assembly languages are commonly required, with certifications such as CEH or OSCP adding value. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and perseverance are crucial soft skills for analyzing complex systems and uncovering hidden functionalities. These skills ensure accurate, efficient analysis of software for security assessments, malware analysis, and intellectual property protection.

What does a Reverse Engineer do?

A reverse engineer analyzes software, hardware, or systems to understand their design and functionality, often by deconstructing or examining code and components. This process helps identify vulnerabilities, develop security measures, or improve products, requiring skills in programming, debugging, and specialized tools like disassemblers or debuggers.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and systems architecture can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or companies. Roles often require expertise in programming, cloud platforms, or cybersecurity, along with relevant certifications and leadership responsibilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Reverse Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Reverse Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Reverse Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,785 per year, or $68.2 per hour.
Reverse Engineer Researcher

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 hours ago


Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

About the role

The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time.
The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking an applicant for the role of a Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. The SEI is a federally funded research and development center at Carnegie Mellon University.

What you'll do

  • 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

Who you are

  • You have 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.

  • 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 balance rapid prototyping with maintainable tool development.

  • You have strong technical writing experience.

  • You recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information.

  • You are able to handle continual shifting priorities.

  • You enjoy mentoring and training others as well as sharing knowledge.

  • You communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

  • You have a willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI's overall mission This includes sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate Travel (15%)

  • You will be subject to a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance

You have 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 programminglanguages (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 learningand using artificial intelligence to support reverse engineering and malware analysis

Why work here?

  • Join a world-class organization that has significant impact on software

  • Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation

  • Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself

  • Get tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you andyour dependent children

  • Enjoy a healthy work/life balance withflexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave

  • Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, childcare and back-up care benefits, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit System

  • Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies

  • Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

  • Statement of Assurance


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