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Software Reverse Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA

$204K - $284K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Two Six Technologies

Software Reverse Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

Analyze firmware, software protections, and wireless protocols to uncover security flaws. * Utilize ... Experience with reverse engineering and vulnerability research, using tools such as IDA Pro, Binary ...

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Doist

Software Reverse Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$112 - $168/hr

Analyze firmware, software protections, and wireless protocols to uncover security flaws. * Utilize ... Experience with reverse engineering and vulnerability research, using tools such as IDA Pro, Binary ...

New

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA

$204K - $284K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$204K - $284K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSoftware Reverse Engineering JobsSoftware Reverse Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Software Reverse Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$76

$90

$102

How much do software reverse engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for software reverse engineering in Virginia is $90.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83.65 and $97.45 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Software Reverse Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Reverse Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $188,370 per year, or $90.6 per hour.

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

STR

Arlington, VA

$204K - $284K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This opportunity will be part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers dedicated to developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work at the nexus of computers and real-world physical systems. We believe that each employee has a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing our customers with innovative solutions. The skills listed below are representative of those needed for this role but are not the only acceptable set. If you see an overlap with your skills, go ahead and apply!.

Work must be performed onsite and Active Top Secret (TS) Clearance required.

What you'll do:

  • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems
  • Developing and applying automated reverse engineering and binary analysis tools to characterize protocols, interfaces, and functionality of target systems
  • Developing innovative cybersecurity solutions
  • Leading multi-discipline teams to tackle challenging problems from a wide variety of technologies to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions
  • Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets
  • Technical marketing to existing and potential customers
  • Technical proposal development (idea generation, writing, reviewing, editing)
  • Documenting, demonstrating, and presenting research
  • Solving real world problems that have an impact on national security

Who you are:

  • This position requires an Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government.
  • Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity or related field plus a minimum of 15 years relevant experience
    (MS or PhD with equivalent work experience may also be considered)
  • Substantial experience leading technical teams on advanced reverse engineering and exploitation programs
  • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware
  • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra
  • Proficiency in multiple Assembly Languages: x86, ARM, etc.
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages: C/C++, Python, etc.
  • Deep understanding of reverse engineering fundamentals
  • Experience in Vulnerability research and analysis
  • Knowledge of weaponizing discovered vulnerabilities into exploits

Nice to haves:

  • Implant or software patch development
  • Familiarity with binary emulation or vulnerability research, including tools such as QEMU or AFL++
  • Experience with DSP architectures, such as Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, NXP, or Analog Devices.
  • Knowledge of operating system internals including memory/process/thread management
  • Embedded systems or firmware analysis
  • Experience development custom emulation tools to enable dynamic analysis
  • Disassembler/decompiler module development
  • Experience analyzing and reconstructing code/data flow
  • Automated reverse engineering or software analysis tool development
  • Experience debugging software without source code
  • Knowledge of binary file structures and formats
  • Experience analyzing protocols or message structures
  • Knowledge of anti-reverse engineering techniques
  • Knowledge of intrusion detection and anti-malware systems and techniques

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $204,000 - $284,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

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