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Software Reverse Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$110K - $151K/yr

Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems * Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems ...

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Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems * Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems ...

STR

Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems * Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems ...

Netradyne

Vehicle Data Bus Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

Perform reverse engineering various J1939/OBDII parameters from actual vehicles/ data captures ... software validation * Debugging/Problem solving skills/experience * Vehicle electrical system ...

Netradyne

Vehicle Data Bus Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

Perform reverse engineering various J1939/OBDII parameters from actual vehicles/ data captures ... software validation * Debugging/Problem solving skills/experience * Vehicle electrical system ...

EndoSec LLC

FPGA Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $195K/yr

... software, System Integration, Hardware Security, Xilinx, Simulation, IP core, Versal, Stratix ... reverse engineering, cocotb, pyuvm Full Time Travel required to 10%. Must be able to apply for and ...

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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 Jun 28, 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 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 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 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $187,511 per year, or $90.1 per hour.
Staff Software Engineer, Security

Staff Software Engineer, Security

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Other

Posted 10 hours ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt and Altius from paper sketches to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.

As a Staff Software Engineer - Security , you will take ownership of and enhance the security roadmap for TRS products and software services, working closely with engineering teams to create solutions that not only meet but exceed industry-standard security goals. You will engage with various teams to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in designs, implementations, integrations, and processes, while also designing and developing security software for embedded systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in software engineering with a focus on platform security, enabling them to conduct complex security architecture reviews, research and mitigate exploits targeting hardware and software, and implement critical features in collaboration with engineering teams to build resilient products.

*This position will be located in our Costa Mesa CA, Seattle WA. We offer full relocation benefits if necessary.


WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own the development and maturation of TRS products and software services security roadmap.
  • Collaborate and build solutions with engineering teams to meet and exceed industry-standard security goals
  • Engage with teams to remediate uncovered weakness in designs, implementations, integrations, and processes
  • Design and Develop embedded system security software
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strategic vision and technical depth, maintaining active involvement in security architecture and implementation
  • Proficient with one or more programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust, Python)
  • Experience assessing security of firmware, applications, network, IoT, or embedded systems
  • Experience developing features for and improving security of firmware, applications, network, or embedded systems
  • Experience building, testing, and delivering production-ready systems, especially for embedded and/or Linux systems
  • Familiarity with anti-tamper and reverse engineering mechanisms
  • Experience in Platform security engineering and secure SDLC implementation
  • Strong and professional communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Demonstrated commitment to practical, mission-enabling security solutions
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a US TS clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with security architectures of embedded, aerospace, or cyber-physical systems
  • Experience with programmable logic devices and their development tools
  • Knowledge of cyber threat actors, their TTPs, and their implications for weapon and space system operations
  • Regularly builds, tests, and delivers production-ready systems, especially for embedded and/or Linux systems
  • Experience conducting incident response in cloud systems and embedded systems
Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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