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Software Reverse Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Auria

Senior Malware Analyst/Reverse Engineer

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... engineering, testing and evaluation, and supports experimentation on C5I systems and amphibious ... Auria is a provider of solutions and software in support of complex Space, National Security, and ...

LLNL

Senior Cybersecurity Reverse Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

  • Retirement

Experience mitigating anti-reverse engineering techniques. * Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in software assurance. * Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making ...

LLNL

Senior Cybersecurity Reverse Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.8K/wk

  • Retirement

Experience mitigating anti-reverse engineering techniques. * Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in software assurance. * Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSoftware Reverse Engineering JobsSoftware Reverse Engineering Jobs in California

Software Reverse Engineering information

See California salary details

$76

$90

$102

How much do software reverse engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for software reverse engineering 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 is software reverse engineering?

Software reverse engineering is the process of analyzing software to understand its structure, functionality, and operation, often without access to the original source code. This technique is commonly used to discover how a program works, identify vulnerabilities, ensure compatibility, analyze malware, or recover lost documentation. Professionals use specialized tools to deconstruct executable files, inspect their components, and reconstruct higher-level representations. While reverse engineering is legal for purposes like security research and interoperability, it may be restricted by laws and software licenses in some jurisdictions.

What are some common challenges faced by software reverse engineers when analyzing complex applications?

Software reverse engineers often encounter challenges such as obfuscated code, anti-debugging techniques, and proprietary file formats designed to prevent analysis. Navigating these obstacles requires strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with various tools (like disassemblers and debuggers), and a deep understanding of operating system internals. Additionally, reverse engineers frequently collaborate with security analysts and developers to interpret findings and propose solutions, making communication skills and teamwork essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software reverse engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Software Reverse Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, excellent programming skills (especially in C/C++ and assembly), and a deep understanding of operating systems and software architectures. Familiarity with disassemblers, debuggers (like IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg), and knowledge of malware analysis and security certifications such as OSCP or CEH are highly valuable. Analytical thinking, persistence, and attention to detail are critical soft skills for uncovering hidden logic and solving complex technical puzzles. These skills are essential for identifying vulnerabilities, ensuring software integrity, and enhancing cybersecurity defenses.

What is the difference between Software Reverse Engineering vs Malware Analyst?

AspectSoftware Reverse EngineeringMalware Analyst
CredentialsKnowledge of programming, debugging, and disassembly toolsKnowledge of malware behavior, analysis tools, and cybersecurity certifications
Work EnvironmentSoftware development, security research, or cybersecurity teamsCybersecurity firms, government agencies, or security teams
Industry UsageSoftware security, vulnerability research, software debuggingThreat detection, malware analysis, incident response

While both roles involve analyzing software, Software Reverse Engineering focuses on understanding software code and behavior, often for security testing or debugging. Malware Analysts specifically analyze malicious software to identify threats and develop defenses. Both require technical skills but serve different security objectives.

What are popular job titles related to Software Reverse Engineering jobs in California?

For Software Reverse Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Reverse Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Reverse Engineering jobs in California are:

Software Reverse Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Reverse Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $187,511 per year, or $90.1 per hour.

Security Software Engineer

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

San Jose, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description


WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING 

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.  Together, we advance your career.  



THE ROLE: 

We are seeking a skilled Software Engineer focused on application security to support and enhance the security infrastructure within AMD’s Vivado FPGA toolchain.

This role is responsible for protecting sensitive software and customer IP at the application layer, ensuring that AMD tools are resilient against reverse engineering, tampering, and data exposure. The engineer will work within an existing security framework to maintain, improve, and evolve security features across the platform.

The ideal candidate brings strong C++ experience and a practical understanding of security principles, with the ability to apply them effectively in complex, real-world systems.

THE PERSON: 

The ideal candidate is a hands-on software engineer with strong security instincts and the ability to operate in complex, mature codebases.

They are comfortable working with existing systems, identifying gaps, and incrementally improving security over time. They think critically about how systems can be attacked and proactively design protections against those threats.

Strong collaboration skills, ownership, and professionalism are essential, as this role works closely with cross-functional teams in a high-impact, security-sensitive environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Application Security & Hardening
  • Implement protections against reverse engineering, debugging, and tampering
  • Identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities within the application
  • Improve robustness of the tool against misuse or exploitation
Data Protection
  • Ensure secure handling of sensitive customer design data within the tool
  • Implement and maintain encryption and data integrity workflows during read/write operations
  • Preserve security guarantees across different data formats and processing stages
Security Framework Development
  • Work within an existing in-house security framework to maintain and extend capabilities
  • Refactor and enhance existing security components for performance and reliability
  • Collaborate with internal security experts to validate and strengthen protections
Software Development (C++)
  • Develop and optimize security features in C++
  • Apply best practices for multithreading, performance, and memory management
  • Work across Linux and/or Windows environments
Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of application security concepts (e.g., vulnerability mitigation, attack surfaces, secure design)
  • Experience applying cryptography in software systems (e.g., using libraries such as OpenSSL)
  • Familiarity with reverse engineering techniques and common attack methods
  • Solid C++ development experience (modern C++ preferred)
  • Experience working in large, complex codebases or mature products
  • Knowledge of multithreading, concurrency, and performance optimization
  • Exposure to software protection, DRM, or licensing systems is a plus (nice to have, not required)
  • Familiarity with Linux (preferred) or Windows environments

Academic Credentials:

  • Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent 

LOCATION: San Jose, CA

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

#LI-DR2

#LI-HYBRID



Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Qualifications:

Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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