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Software Reverse Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

Proven proficiency with at least three (3) or more of the following: mobile security, telecom protocols, operating systems (Windows, iOS, Android, or Linux), software reverse engineering, forensics ...

Senior Principal Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$144K - $199K/yr

The ideal candidates will have strong reverse engineering skills and deep understanding of threat ... software on embedded devices -Collaborate withNightwingresearch teams toleveragecutting ...

Reverse Engineer TS/SCI

Centreville, VA ยท On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Software Development: Design and develop innovative software for tools and capabilities related to computer security, vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and product development. * Low-Level ...

Senior Principal Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$144K - $199K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Subject Matter Expert with hardware reverse engineering to support this ... software on embedded devices - Collaborate with Nightwing research teams to leverage cutting-edge ...

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

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$134K - $184K/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

Senior Reverse Engineer

Leesburg, VA

$105K - $145K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience * 5+ years of professional experience in software or hardware reverse engineering * Proficiency in C/C ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site +1

$105K - $145K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience * 5+ years of professional experience in software or hardware reverse engineering * Proficiency in C/C ...

Minimum 3 years of experience developing, testing, and debugging software in C, C++, and Python * Minimum 3 years of demonstrated experience using IDA Pro and/or Ghidra for reverse engineering

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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.

Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher

Nightwing

Sterling, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher (VRER) to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts against native Linux applications. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in low-level software analysis, vulnerability discovery, and exploit development across multiple architectures.
All technical personnel must meet baseline technical requirements and demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills in complex Linux environments.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform reverse engineering of native Linux applications to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses
  • Develop, test, and debug software components and proof-of-concept exploits
  • Conduct vulnerability research and exploitation activities targeting Linux binaries
  • Analyze compiled code and system behavior across multiple architectures
  • Collaborate with cross-functional technical teams to support research and operational objectives
  • Produce clear technical documentation and reports detailing findings and methodologies
Required Qualifications
  • Current TS/SCI with Poly Clearance
  • Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on experience developing, testing, and debugging software in:
    • C
    • C++
    • Python
  • Demonstrated experience with:
    • Reverse Engineering (RE)
    • Vulnerability Research (VR)
    • Exploitation of native Linux applications
  • Strong understanding of Linux internals, system calls, memory management, and debugging tools
  • Experience analyzing compiled binaries and low-level system behavior
Desired / Preferred Qualifications
  • Exploitation and reverse engineering experience on ARM and MIPS architectures
  • Familiarity with common exploitation techniques (e.g., memory corruption, privilege escalation)
  • Experience with tools such as GDB, IDA Pro, Ghidra, radare2, or similar
  • Knowledge of secure coding practices and vulnerability mitigation techniques

Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award.
At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.