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Software Reverse Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Archer

VMS Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

$142K - $220K/yr

You aren't afraid to reverse-engineer a protocol or write a custom driver if the standard one fails ... Design software with a safety-first mindset. You anticipate edge cases and write defensive code ...

Qualcomm

QGOV Security Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

QGOV Software Engineer with a focus on software security. A candidate will work with established ... based reverse engineering • Experience in identification and remediation of security ...

Qualcomm

QGOV Security Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

QGOV Software Engineer with a focus on software security. A candidate will work with established ... based reverse engineering • Experience in identification and remediation of security ...

Qualcomm

QGOV Security Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

QGOV Software Engineer with a focus on software security. A candidate will work with established ... based reverse engineering • Experience in identification and remediation of security ...

Qualcomm

QGOV Security Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$111K - $166K/yr

QGOV Software Engineer with a focus on software security. A candidate will work with established ... based reverse engineering • Experience in identification and remediation of security ...

Alutiiq

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

The Software Engineer will support the Reverse Engineering, Science, and Technology for Obsolescence, Restoration, and Evaluation (RESTORE) Laboratory for Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific ...

Archer

VMS Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142K - $220K/yr

You aren't afraid to reverse-engineer a protocol or write a custom driver if the standard one fails ... Design software with a safety-first mindset. You anticipate edge cases and write defensive code ...

Etleap, Inc.

Software Engineer - Integrations

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$122K - $164K/yr

Be part of the team that is building the next generation of ETL software * Build fast, scalable ... You find reverse-engineering systems interesting * Coding in Java is second nature to you * You're ...

Snap-on Inc

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Performs software design and implementation of vehicle interface software and protocols ... Understands and implements methodologies for reverse engineering of vehicle communication protocols ...

Snap-on Inc

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Performs software design and implementation of vehicle interface software and protocols ... Understands and implements methodologies for reverse engineering of vehicle communication protocols ...

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How much do software reverse engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for software reverse engineer in California is $90.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83.27 and $97.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for a Software Reverse Engineer?

As a Software Reverse Engineer, your day often involves analyzing compiled code, identifying program structures, and uncovering hidden functionalities or vulnerabilities within software applications. You may spend significant time using tools like disassemblers and debuggers to inspect binaries, document findings, and collaborate closely with security analysts, developers, or legal teams. Problem-solving and attention to detail are essential, as projects often involve working with both legacy and modern systems. While much of the work is independent, frequent communication with team members is required to share insights and develop effective remediation strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Software Reverse Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Reverse Engineer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages (such as C/C++ and Assembly), deep understanding of operating systems, and expertise in reverse engineering methodologies—often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with disassemblers, debuggers, decompilers (like IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg), and relevant certifications such as OSCP or CEH is highly valued. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent problem-solving skills set top candidates apart. These abilities are critical for dissecting complex binaries, uncovering vulnerabilities, and ensuring effective collaboration while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines.

What is a Software Reverse Engineer job?

A Software Reverse Engineer analyzes software to understand its design, functionality, and security vulnerabilities. This role often involves decompiling code, identifying weaknesses, and improving software security. Reverse engineers work in cybersecurity, malware analysis, and software compatibility. They use tools like disassemblers, debuggers, and decompilers to inspect software behavior. This field requires strong programming skills and knowledge of operating systems and architectures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Reverse Engineer jobs in California? For Software Reverse Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Reverse Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Reverse Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Reverse Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Reverse Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Software Reverse Engineer jobs in CA? For Software Reverse Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Software Reverse Engineer jobs near you
VMS Software Engineer

VMS Software Engineer

Archer

San Jose, CA

$142K - $220K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Role Overview
We are seeking a resourceful hands-on Embedded Software Engineer to build high-reliability real-time systems. You will operate at the intersection of hardware and software, writing Modern C++ for Linux targets while leveraging Python for test automation. This is a hardware heavy role; you should be comfortable bringing up boards, debugging signals with an oscilloscope, and writing defensive code that ensures safety and performance.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Embedded Development: Write efficient, robust C++ for Embedded Linux platforms. You know when to follow the rules and when to think laterally to squeeze out performance.
  • Agile Execution: Work within an agile sprint driven framework to iterate quickly with short planning and development cycles.
  • Hardware Interface: Write drivers and manage communications over common interlinks (Examples: CAN, Ethernet, TCP/IP, UART). You aren't afraid to reverse-engineer a protocol or write a custom driver if the standard one fails.
  • Deep-Dive Debugging: Get your hands dirty with hardware integration and bring-up. You will troubleshoot signal integrity and protocol weirdness using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or network sniffers.
  • Resilient Design: Design software with a safety-first mindset. You anticipate edge cases and write defensive code that ensures deterministic behavior, even when assumptions are violated or the hardware does something unexpected.
Qualifications
  • Experience: 2-5 years of embedded software engineering
  • Core Languages: Strong proficiency in modern C++ (11/14/17/20) for production code. Fluency in Python and Bash for data manipulation, testing, and prototyping.
  • Mindset: You are comfortable working with ambiguity. You don't need a manual for everything; you can figure out how things work (or why they don't) and devise creative workarounds to keep the project moving.
  • OS: Solid understanding of Embedded Linux (kernel/user-space interactions) and how to manipulate it via the shell.
  • Real-Time: Experience with real-time constraints and resource constrained hardware.
  • Build Systems: Familiarity with Yocto, GTest, CMake, ansible is a plus.


At Archer, we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent with the skills and leadership needed to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's strategy. For this position, we are targeting a base pay range of $142,800 - $220,600. Actual compensation offered will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.        

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

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