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Senior Reverse Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$109K - $148K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Data Platform Engineer to design and develop the data management layer for ... Design and oversee key forward- and reverse-ETL patterns to deliver data to relevant stakeholders.

With a keen eye for stability and performance, you'll reverse-engineer undocumented applications ... Stakeholder Collaboration Collaborate closely with senior leadership, business units, and technical ...

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Senior Reverse Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$130.4K

$189K

How much do senior reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior reverse engineer in Chicago, IL is $130,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $147,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Senior Reverse Engineers?

Senior Reverse Engineers are experienced professionals who analyze software, hardware, or systems to understand their design, functionality, and vulnerabilities. They often work to deconstruct compiled code or firmware to identify security flaws, ensure software compliance, or aid in malware analysis. Their expertise is crucial in cybersecurity, forensics, and software interoperability, as they help organizations protect against threats and improve system resilience. Senior Reverse Engineers typically have advanced knowledge of programming languages, debugging tools, and operating systems. They may also lead teams, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to strategic security initiatives.

What is the difference between Senior Reverse Engineer vs Malware Analyst?

AspectSenior Reverse EngineerMalware Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, cybersecurity certifications (e.g., GREM, OSCP)Bachelor's in Cybersecurity, malware analysis certifications (e.g., GREM, GIAC)
Work EnvironmentSecurity firms, tech companies, government agenciesSecurity firms, government agencies, incident response teams
Industry UsageAnalyzing complex software, debugging, reverse engineering binariesDetecting, analyzing, and mitigating malware threats
Comparison FocusDeep reverse engineering skills, software analysisMalware detection and threat analysis

While both roles require cybersecurity expertise and reverse engineering skills, Senior Reverse Engineers focus on analyzing software at a code level, often working on complex binaries and software vulnerabilities. Malware Analysts specialize in identifying and understanding malicious code to mitigate threats. Both roles are vital in cybersecurity but differ in their primary focus and daily tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Reverse Engineers when analyzing complex software?

Senior Reverse Engineers often encounter challenges such as heavily obfuscated or packed binaries, lack of documentation, and anti-reverse engineering techniques implemented by developers. These obstacles require deep knowledge of assembly language, debugging tools, and creative problem-solving skills. Collaboration with other security professionals, such as malware analysts or incident responders, is also common to share insights and overcome particularly difficult cases. Staying up-to-date with evolving software protection methods is essential for continued success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Senior Reverse Engineer, you need deep expertise in software analysis, assembly language, malware analysis, and computer architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Proficiency with tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, and experience with debuggers and disassemblers are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and tools are vital for dissecting complex software, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing effective security solutions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Senior Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Principal / Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer

Principal / Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 520 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
The successful candidate will join Northrop Grumman's Defense Systems (DS) Specialized Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems (STEWS) team in Rolling Meadows, IL. The role focuses on the development, testing, and sustainment of legacy and advanced electronic systems for U.S. Air Force platforms, including RF microwave airborne RADAR, infrared (IR) sensors, laboratory test stations, and transportable flightline electronic warfare combat test sets.
Our team provides sustainment support for the US Air Force platforms. Our team members complete engineering, reverse engineering, and logistics solution efforts to solve complex obsolescence problems and ensure warfighter training, combat and supportability.
You will support execution of various program activities to include test system design and evaluation, design and development of RF systems and components, radar, power and/or electrical systems architecture, components, circuits, and products for aircraft and flight line. The position will research, develop, design, and test electrical components, perform equipment, systems, and design evaluations and provide general engineering support for defense or commercial systems.
The role demands hands-on troubleshooting of field failures, supplier coordination, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while interfacing with customers and program leadership.
Roles and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead or support system integration activities, coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end system functionality.
  • Design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy hardware and system modifications.
  • Create and execute Verification and Validation (V&V) plans that ensure radar-system requirements satisfy mission objectives and customer needs.
  • Diagnose hardware and sub-assembly failures, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
  • Facilitate smooth transitions from design to production.
  • Produce and maintain engineering documentation, including specifications, change notices, parts lists, bills of materials, test plans, test procedures, and test reports to support the engineering development lifecycle and program goals.
  • Establish milestones and monitor adherence to master plans and schedules.
  • Evaluate, integrate, and test hardware and software components to reduce development risk and investigate anomalies.
  • Interface with internal and external customers, delivering clear presentations and status updates.
  • Provide troubleshooting support for field failures, leveraging deep knowledge of both hardware and software interfaces within the system and subsystem components.
  • Offer technical assistance to Northrop and USAF technicians and collaborate with suppliers to resolve hardware issues.
    **This position may be filled at either Principal or Sr. Principal Level.

Principal Electronics Engineer Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience with:
  • Exposure to airborne RADAR and Electronic Warfare (EW)
  • Familiarity in C++, Python or MATLAB development and/or debugging
  • Familiarity with National Instruments (NI/Emerson) LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW.
  • Understanding of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms implemented on FPGAs.
  • Familiarity with PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys)
  • U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain a US Government Secret security clearance.

or
Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline, with a minimum of 9 (nine) years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in a relevant STEM discipline and 7 (six) years of related engineering experience with:
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities, coupled with excellent organizational skills.
  • Proficiency with airborne RADAR and Electronic Warfare (EW)
  • Proficiency in C++, Python or MATLAB development and/or debugging
  • Proficiency with National Instruments (NI/Emerson) LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW.
  • Proficiency of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms implemented on FPGAs.
  • Proficiency with PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Altium Designer, RF and Digital test and measurement equipment.
  • U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain a US Government Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven experience with airborne RADAR Electronic Warfare (EW)
  • Proficiency in C++, Python or MATLAB development and/or debugging
  • Proficiency with National Instruments (NI/Emerson) LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW.
  • Strong understanding of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms implemented on FPGAs.
  • Proficiency with PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys)

Professional Experience in any of the following:
  • RADAR product data analysis
  • Software requirements definition and verification
  • Supplier Management of Hardware/Embedded Software system
  • Operations and Sustainment of fielded systems
  • Proposal development and review
  • Root Cause and Corrective Action Investigations
  • Test and evaluation of Software design solutions and tools
  • Experience with data analysis, simulation, and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB toolboxes,)
  • Experience with configuration management, issue tracking/trending, and basic software engineering practices.
  • Proficiency in one or more technical languages: MATLAB/Simulink, Python; C/C++ embedded/real time implementations.
  • Ability to comprehend and analyze complex problems, develop solutions, and make decisions that impact the organization's credibility, operations and services.
  • Documented ability to interpret numerical data for reporting purposes and prepare and analyze data and figures.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate in a team environment across with multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Ability to diagnose/troubleshoot/repair hardware components
  • Experience with test planning at the circuit card, equipment, and system level
  • Experience generating and diagnosing automated test software
  • Analog, Digital, RF, EMI / EMC signal integrity experience

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939