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Software Reverse Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

About the role The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a ... Reverse engineer malicious code in support of high-impact customers, design and develop new ...

Cyber Security Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

... hardware engineering, software reverse engineering, cyber operations, and/or computer exploitation; * 1+ years of experience across three or more of the following: mobile device security ...

... hardware engineering, software reverse engineering, cyber operations, and/or computer exploitation; * 1+ years of experience across three or more of the following: mobile device security ...

Cyber Security Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

... hardware engineering, software reverse engineering, cyber operations, and/or computer exploitation; * 1+ years of experience across three or more of the following: mobile device security ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $165K/yr

Required Skills & Experience · 5+ years of experience in software and hardware reverse engineering · Expert level understanding of vulnerabilities and exploitation techniques · Experience with ...

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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 Jun 20, 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. 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.
Software Engineer

$92K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 26282
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $92,104.00 - $125,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Cyber & Electronic Warfare, a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. HII works within our nation's intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace. Our deep expertise in network architecture, software and hardware development, cybersecurity and the electromagnetic environment uniquely enables us to support sensitive missions for federal agency partners.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
Job Description
Are you bored with the standard product development pipeline?
Do you enjoy tinkering and learning how things work?
HII Mission Technologies (HII MT) is seeking talented engineers who are excited to work in a flipped engineering environment. Our team in Roanoke, VA specializes in reverse engineering and microelectronics trust and assurance.
Candidates for this position will lead a team performing reverse engineering tasks on existing products and encoding discoveries directly into our codebase. Additional tasks involve the research, design, and development of innovative algorithms to automate challenging or time-consuming tasks within the reverse engineering domain. Candidates will be exposed to and become proficient with a variety of technologies involving hardware description languages, embedded instruction architectures, high-level software development languages, formal verification tools, and more.
The ideal candidate will have experience with object-oriented design and an understanding of basic logic gates. We are particularly looking for candidates that have experience with FPGA design (Quartus, Vivado, ISE), embedded system design, EDA tools (synthesis, P&R, simulation), and/or microcontrollers. Experience with software reverse engineering is also valued in this position.
Salary based on skills, background, experience and education.
This posting is to collect applications for current and future openings for HII Mission Technologies. Candidates will be screened as opportunities come available and selected candidates will be contacted about an opportunity.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Candidates for this position will be responsible for leading reverse engineering efforts into systems of interest and mentoring junior engineers in the reverse engineering and development processes. Candidates will be expected to communicate clearly and effectively and demonstrate the ability to architect maintainable solutions to complex problems. Effective collaboration with teammates on the development of new ideas and accepting constructive feedback through the code review process is required. Candidates may also be expected to implement algorithms created by hardware engineers or from academic sources with limited documentation. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and be willing and able to obtain a DoD security clearance (if not already cleared).
Minimum Qualifications
5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 0 years experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
You will meet our minimum qualifications if you...
  • Are a United States citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance
  • Have extensive experience with object-oriented programming languages (C++, Java, Python)
  • Have exposure to basic logic gates and Boolean math (AND, OR)
  • Have the ability to learn new skills quickly

Preferred Requirements
You will go above and beyond if you...
  • Already possess an active security clearance
  • Have experience with modern C++ standards C++17) and STL
  • Have experience with Python
  • Can demonstrate the use of design patterns
  • Have developed using software development processes (Agile, TDD, etc.)
  • Familiarity with Verilog or VHDL
  • Have experience with FPGA design software (Quartus, ISE, Vivado, etc.)
  • Have experience with software reverse engineering (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja etc.)
  • Are proficient with source control systems (git, svn, perforce, etc.)
  • Have experience with the code review process
  • Have experience with binary patching
  • Have experience bypassing encryption schemes (power glitching, side channel attacks, etc.)
  • Have published research regarding cybersecurity, software exploitation, or reverse engineering

HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
Today's challenges are bigger than ever, and the nation needs the best of us. It's why we're focused on hiring, developing and nurturing our diversity. We believe that diversity among our workforce strengthens the organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches the work lives of all our employees.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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