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Senior Reverse Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Hardware Reverse Engineer Herndon, VA, US 8 days ago Requisition ID: 1017 Join us at GrammaTech and become part of our team of innovative engineers and reverse engineers in Linthicum, Maryland ...

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Senior Reverse Engineer information

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$67.4K

$143.3K

$207.8K

How much do senior reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior reverse engineer in Washington, DC is $143,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior reverse engineer?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a senior reverse engineer?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Reverse Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Reverse Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Senior Reverse Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,338 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Senior Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher with Security Clearance

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description Our elite team of reverse engineers is growing! We're looking for experienced reverse engineers who love discovering how complex embedded systems work and how to break them. We foster an innovative, highly collaborative environment where engineers tackle the hardest national security cyber challenges and deliver real-world impact. Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and offensive cyber capability development. We believe the best solutions start with curious minds, multi-disciplinary expertise, and technical ingenuity. If you want to collaborate with world-class experts to solve problems that others consider impossible, we'd love to have you join our team at APL! As a member of our group, you will... * Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems, discover vulnerabilities, and develop innovative exploits
* Collaborate with teammates in custom laboratories purpose-built for foreign materiel, telecommunications infrastructure, and other embedded systems
* Work alongside APL experts in domains such as missile defense, space, and maritime systems to understand the operational significance of your reverse engineering discoveries
* Partner directly with government sponsors across multiple agencies to build mission-aligned offensive cyber capabilities
* Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development
* Shape the future of our work by proposing new technical approaches and pioneering new research directions
* Mentor early-career teammates in the art and science of reverse engineering Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
* At least 5 years of relevant professional experience
* Are skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
* Are proficient with one or more programming languages
* Have experience reading and writing assembly
* Understand Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains
* Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
* Hold an active TS/SCI clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI + polygraph clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you ... * Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
* Have experience applying AI systems to reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development
* Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
* Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
* Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $105,000 Annually Maximum Rate $290,000 Annually