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Windows Malware Reverse Engineer Jobs in California

Security Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) * GIAC Network Forensics Analyst (GNFA) * Offensive Security certifications (OSCP, OSCE, or similar) * Other relevant cybersecurity certification #SNIT

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$144K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... malware platform available. Senior hires will be entrusted with broad decision-making ... Experience with malicious software analysis and reverse engineering * MS or PhD in Computer Science ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$144K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... malware platform available. Senior hires will be entrusted with broad decision-making ... Experience with malicious software analysis and reverse engineering * MS or PhD in Computer Science ...

Lead Threat Hunter

Cupertino, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Malware reverse engineering skills. * Expertise with incident response frameworks. * Experience in the financial sector. * SANS, CHFI, OSCP or similar certification. This role requires working from a ...

Senior Security Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$130K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Malware analysis and sandboxing solutions * Analyst workstation environments (Windows investigation VMs) * Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR/XDR) * Email Security Engineering * Vulnerability Scan ...

Senior Security Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$130K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Malware analysis and sandboxing solutions * Analyst workstation environments (Windows investigation VMs) * Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR/XDR) * Email Security Engineering * Vulnerability Scan ...

Senior Security Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$131K - $217K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Malware analysis and sandboxing solutions * Analyst workstation environments (Windows investigation VMs) * Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR/XDR) * Email Security Engineering * Vulnerability Scan ...

Showing results 41-60

Windows Malware Reverse Engineer information

What does a Windows Malware Reverse Engineer do?

A Windows Malware Reverse Engineer analyzes malicious software designed to target Windows operating systems. Their primary tasks include dissecting malware to understand how it works, identifying its behavior and purpose, and determining how it infects systems. They use specialized tools and techniques such as disassemblers, debuggers, and virtual environments to safely analyze and decode malware. The insights gained help develop detection methods, improve cybersecurity defenses, and assist in incident response.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Windows Malware Reverse Engineer?

To thrive as a Windows Malware Reverse Engineer, you need strong knowledge of Windows internals, assembly programming, and malware analysis techniques, usually backed by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity. Proficiency with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, and familiarity with common malware frameworks and relevant certifications such as GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for unraveling complex threats. These competencies are crucial for identifying, understanding, and mitigating advanced malware threats that target Windows environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Windows Malware Reverse Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Windows Malware Reverse Engineers often face challenges such as dealing with heavily obfuscated code, rapidly evolving malware techniques, and anti-analysis mechanisms designed to thwart reverse engineering efforts. These challenges require staying up-to-date with the latest tools, regularly practicing with new malware samples, and collaborating with peers to share insights. Building a strong foundation in Windows internals, assembly language, and using debuggers or disassemblers like IDA Pro or Ghidra can help overcome these obstacles and improve overall analysis efficiency.

What is the difference between Windows Malware Reverse Engineer vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectWindows Malware Reverse EngineerCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsKnowledge of reverse engineering, malware analysis, programming skills, certifications like GREM or GREMSecurity certifications like CISSP, CEH, or Security+; broader cybersecurity knowledge
Work EnvironmentSpecialized labs, malware analysis environments, often in security firms or R&D teamsSecurity operations centers, corporate IT teams, or government agencies
Industry UsagePrimarily in cybersecurity, malware research, threat intelligenceAcross industries for threat detection, incident response, and security policy enforcement

While both roles require cybersecurity knowledge, Windows Malware Reverse Engineers focus on dissecting malicious software to understand its mechanics, whereas Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and respond to security threats across organizations. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

Can you reverse engineer malware?

A Windows Malware Reverse Engineer specializes in analyzing malicious software to understand its behavior, origin, and impact. This process involves using tools like debuggers and disassemblers, and requires strong knowledge of assembly language, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles. Reverse engineering malware is a complex task that demands technical skill, patience, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

How much do Windows Malware Reverse Engineers make?

Windows Malware Reverse Engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced skills in reverse engineering tools and malware analysis can lead to higher salaries, especially in cybersecurity-focused organizations.

What are popular job titles related to Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in California?

For Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Windows Malware Reverse Engineer job openings:

Security Software Engineer

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

San Jose, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description


WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING 

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.  Together, we advance your career.  



THE ROLE: 

We are seeking a skilled Software Engineer focused on application security to support and enhance the security infrastructure within AMD’s Vivado FPGA toolchain.

This role is responsible for protecting sensitive software and customer IP at the application layer, ensuring that AMD tools are resilient against reverse engineering, tampering, and data exposure. The engineer will work within an existing security framework to maintain, improve, and evolve security features across the platform.

The ideal candidate brings strong C++ experience and a practical understanding of security principles, with the ability to apply them effectively in complex, real-world systems.

THE PERSON: 

The ideal candidate is a hands-on software engineer with strong security instincts and the ability to operate in complex, mature codebases.

They are comfortable working with existing systems, identifying gaps, and incrementally improving security over time. They think critically about how systems can be attacked and proactively design protections against those threats.

Strong collaboration skills, ownership, and professionalism are essential, as this role works closely with cross-functional teams in a high-impact, security-sensitive environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Application Security & Hardening
  • Implement protections against reverse engineering, debugging, and tampering
  • Identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities within the application
  • Improve robustness of the tool against misuse or exploitation
Data Protection
  • Ensure secure handling of sensitive customer design data within the tool
  • Implement and maintain encryption and data integrity workflows during read/write operations
  • Preserve security guarantees across different data formats and processing stages
Security Framework Development
  • Work within an existing in-house security framework to maintain and extend capabilities
  • Refactor and enhance existing security components for performance and reliability
  • Collaborate with internal security experts to validate and strengthen protections
Software Development (C++)
  • Develop and optimize security features in C++
  • Apply best practices for multithreading, performance, and memory management
  • Work across Linux and/or Windows environments
Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of application security concepts (e.g., vulnerability mitigation, attack surfaces, secure design)
  • Experience applying cryptography in software systems (e.g., using libraries such as OpenSSL)
  • Familiarity with reverse engineering techniques and common attack methods
  • Solid C++ development experience (modern C++ preferred)
  • Experience working in large, complex codebases or mature products
  • Knowledge of multithreading, concurrency, and performance optimization
  • Exposure to software protection, DRM, or licensing systems is a plus (nice to have, not required)
  • Familiarity with Linux (preferred) or Windows environments

Academic Credentials:

  • Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent 

LOCATION: San Jose, CA

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

#LI-DR2

#LI-HYBRID



Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Qualifications:

Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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