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Software Reverse Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Roanoke, VA ยท On-site

$92.10K - $125K/yr

Our team in Roanoke, VA specializes in reverse engineering and microelectronics trust and assurance ... Experience with software reverse engineering is also valued in this position. Salary based on ...

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Software Reverse Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$76

$90

$102

How much do software reverse engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Software Reverse Engineering job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $188,370 per year, or $90.6 per hour.

Software Reverse Engineer: All Levels (Requires Secret Level Security Clearance or Higher at time of

Cipher Tech Solutions

Vienna, VA โ€ข On-site

$43.27 - $96.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

FUTURE NEED - Not a current vacancy. If you apply, this could be a multi-year process.

Locations: Northern VA

Description:

This is a forensic software development and reverse engineering position combined into one! The candidate will be primarily focused on conducting software Reverse Engineering activities using a combination of static and dynamic tools. Additionally, the candidate will provide support in the form of application development, scripting, debugging, and value-added software development expertise to a digital forensic lab, while maintaining existing software and develop new software to customer specifications.

Regardless of whether you are applying to a software developer or reverse engineer position, if your application is approved, we will test you on both skills as part of our hiring process. At this time, the majority of our open positions require an aptitude in both domains.

Requirements:

  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must currently hold a US government security clearance at the Secret level or higher
  • Must have a Bachelors degree in one of the following: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics OR be within 12 months of graduating with that degree
  • Must have ability to read and understand assembly code (x86 and x64 Assembly)
  • Must have proficiency in one of the following: C, C++, C#, Java, or Python
  • Must be familiar with both high (i.e. Java) and low (i.e. C/C++ or Assembly) level programming languages
  • Must be willing to become 8570 compliant at Level II or higher, if you do not currently hold one of the required certifications.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills as well as the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Strong leadership interpersonal and verbal/written communications skills that enable the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Desirable:

  • Experience in computer engineering or a related field with in-depth knowledge of software reverse engineering and/or software development.
  • Experience using static analysis tools such as IDA Pro and dynamic analysis tools including debuggers (this can include academic experience)
  • Proficiency in development for IDA Pro
  • Experience with reversing ARM
  • Proficiency in Android/Linux OS internals
  • Familiarity with EnCase, FTK, or other forensic software tools
  • SANS certification
  • One of the following certifications: Security+CE, CCNA Security, CySA+, GICSP, GSEC, Security+ CE, SSCP, CASP CE, CCNP Security, CISA, GCED, GCIH.
  • Experience with malware analysis

Benefits:

  • Mission focused work environment
  • Subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance
  • HSA contributions
  • 401k matching
  • Holiday and Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Monthly WAN parties & quarterly events
  • Flexible hours

Remote work is not an option. We do offer relocation assistance. Please see our careers page or inquire with your recruiter about the terms and conditions.

Salary and other Compensation:

The hourly wage range for this position: $43.27 - $96.15

The salary range for this position is subject not only to the hire's skills, education, expertise, and years of experience, but also to features of the final position offered to the hire: including, but not limited to the location of the position, clearance required for the position, and the contract associated with the position. See our Perks & Benefits page for a general description of benefits and other potential compensation benefits: https://www.ciphertechsolutions.com/careers/perks-benefits/

About Us:

At Cipher Tech Solutions, Inc. (Cipher Tech), we take great pride in supporting some of the most mission critical work in the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. The majority of our company is comprised of extremely talented software developers who write production tools which directly support one of two missions: digital forensics and malware reverse engineering.

Digital forensics is the practice of extracting and processing evidence from computers, phones, tablets, cameras, flash-drives, and just about any other form of digital media. The results of our work are then used to support federal and military law enforcement, counterintelligence, and counter terrorist activities.

Malware reverse engineering is the practice of analyzing malicious code. The goal of a reverse engineer is to understand how the malicious code works and determine facts such as:

*How did it infect the victim's computer *What kind of information it is seeking to steal *How is it communicating with the author (actor) *Who that actor might be.


Vaccination Notice:

Please be aware that you are applying for a position to work as a federal contractor. As such, Cipher Tech will require, and your employment will be subject to, such vaccinations as are required by federal, state, and local law requirements.

Important Security Clearance Information:

Be aware that you are applying for a job that requires a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

The U.S. government will not issue security clearances to recent users of illegal drugs. On your application to us, you must acknowledge that you have not engaged in any illegal drug use within the past twelve months (illegal drug use includes, but is not limited to, the use of illegal substances, the misuse of prescriptions, the misuse of over-the-counter substances, and the use of medical or recreational marijuana that may be deemed legal at the state level but is still considered illegal by the federal government). NOTE: CIPHER TECH WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WITH A DISABILITY, INCLUDING ILLEGAL DRUG USERS WHO HAVE RECENTLY SOUGHT PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT FOR A DRUG PROBLEM.

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Cipher Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All hiring and employment decisions are made on the basis of business requirements, performance, and merit with no regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, or other protected status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.


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