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Software Reverse Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA

$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

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Melbourne, FL

$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

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Melbourne, FL · 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

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Woburn, MA

$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

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Woburn, MA · 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

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

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Woburn, MA

$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

San Diego, CA

$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

$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

San Diego, CA · 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

Melbourne, FL · 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

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How much do software reverse engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for software reverse engineering in the United States is $91.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84.38 and $98.32 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.
More about Software Reverse Engineering jobs
What states have the most Software Reverse Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Reverse Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Software Reverse Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Software Reverse Engineering jobs are:
Software Reverse Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Reverse Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $189,999 per year, or $91.3 per hour.
CNO Reverse Engineer with Security Clearance

CNO Reverse Engineer with Security Clearance

MANTECH

Hanover, MD • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

MANTECH seeks a highly skilled and innovative CNO Reverse Engineer to join our team in Hanover, MD. In this role, you will contribute to the development of mission-critical cyber capabilities, drive excellence in CNO development and lead efforts in advanced Computer Network Operations (CNO). You'll be part of a dynamic team working on next-generation solutions that safeguard national security systems. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Perform Reverse Engineering of Hardware Components and Software Applications to design and develop new bleeding edge CNO software.
* Author and participate in technical presentations on assigned projects
* Utilize tools and techniques such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, and other industry-standard software for hardware and software analysis.
* Communicate project status to leadership and stakeholders
Basic Qualifications: * High School Diploma and 12+ years of related technical experience, or Bachelor's Degree in related technical field and 8 + years of technical work experience or Master's degree in related technical field and 6+ years of technical work experience
* 5+ years of experience with hardware or software reverse engineering
* Experience programming in Assembly, C, C#, C++, Java, Perl, or Python
* Experience administering and using hardware and software reverse engineering tools
* Experience creating and briefing technical presentations, written reports, and demonstrations of developed software
* Experience with Software Version Control such as Subversion and/or Git
* Knowledge of CNO environment
Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with tools like Ghidra, IDAPro, WinDbg
* Experience developing CNO Capabilities
* Experience with networking (TCP/IP) and socket-level programming
* Experience with Malware Analysis
* Experience with Software Forensics
* Experience in low-level internals in one or more platforms (e.g., Windows, Unix, mobile, or network devices)
* Experience with Continuous Integration software
* Experience with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, Jira, Crucible)
* Strong problem-solving skills
* Experience with software troubleshooting and debugging
Security Clearance Requirements: * Must have a current/active TS/SCI w/Polygraph security clearance and be willing and able to obtain another polygraph prior to start, if required.
Physical Requirements: * Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.

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