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Windows Malware Reverse Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cna

Threat Hunter

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$97K - $189K/yr

Coordinates escalation for advanced forensics and malware reverse engineering. * Communicates security incidents clearly to business and non-technical stakeholders. May perform additional duties as ...

CNA

Threat Hunter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$97K - $189K/yr

Coordinates escalation for advanced forensics and malware reverse engineering. * Communicates security incidents clearly to business and non-technical stakeholders. May perform additional duties as ...

U.S. Bank

Lead Threat Hunter

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

US Bank

Lead Threat Hunter

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Cyberbit

Account Executive

West Chicago, IL · Remote

Cyberbit Range deploys real-world attacks using reverse-engineered malware onto a virtual corporate network, allowing users to defend against live attacks using commercial-grade security tools to ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Cyber Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... malware systems, IDS/IPS * Configure, maintain, and administer security products and solutions used ... logs, Windows server logs, and network monitoring systems * Provide consultation and conduct ...

Cooley LLP

Senior Cyber Security Engineer

Chicago, IL

... malware systems, IDS/IPS * Configure, maintain, and administer security products and solutions used ... logs, Windows server logs, and network monitoring systems * Provide consultation and conduct ...

Cooley

Senior Cyber Security Engineer

Chicago, IL

... malware systems, IDS/IPS * Configure, maintain, and administer security products and solutions used ... logs, Windows server logs, and network monitoring systems * Provide consultation and conduct ...

Purple Drive

Azure Engineer with DevOps experience

Chicago, IL · On-site

$54.50 - $74.50/hr

Understanding of Windows and Linux Server architectures. Experience with containers (Docker) and ... LDAP, reverse proxies and firewalls. Key Skills and Experience Design, architect, and implement ...

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All JobsWindows Malware Reverse Engineer JobsWindows Malware Reverse Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Windows Malware Reverse Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$84.5K

$140.4K

$200.9K

How much do windows malware reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows malware reverse engineer in Chicago, IL is $140,394.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $183,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Windows Malware Reverse Engineer, and why are they important?

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 popular job titles related to Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs near you
Cyber Security Framework Engineer - Remote

Cyber Security Framework Engineer - Remote

micro1 AI

Chicago, IL • Remote

$50 - $90/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Role Title: Red Team Lead (Offensive Cybersecurity)


Role Type: Contractor


Location: Remote


micro1 is engaging Red Team Leads (Offensive Cybersecurity) to contribute expertise to a customer's critical cybersecurity project. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.


Scope of Work

  1. Develop comprehensive taxonomies for cyber-capability tasks and attack stages relevant to modern threat landscapes.
  2. Design and validate evaluation frameworks for offensive security, focusing on real-world scenarios involving exploit chains, malware, cloud/appsec, and social engineering.
  3. Create safe and effective proxy tasks to simulate advanced attack vectors while maintaining strict boundaries and ethical controls.
  4. Formulate robust scoring rubrics to assess attack sophistication, coverage, and impact across diverse domains.
  5. Review, critique, and enhance benchmarks for red team operations to ensure alignment with evolving security risks and best practices.
  6. Produce clear, well-documented methodologies and technical write-ups, communicating complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  7. Collaborate asynchronously with project stakeholders to iterate on frameworks and incorporate feedback into deliverables.


Preferred Qualifications

  1. 5+ years of hands-on experience in offensive cybersecurity, red teaming, exploit development, or vulnerability research (8–20 years preferred for senior contributors).
  2. Track record as a principal security engineer, exploit developer, cloud red-team lead, malware reverse-engineer, or security researcher specializing in attack chains or social engineering.
  3. Deep expertise in cyber attack methodologies, exploit chains, and cloud/application security assessments.
  4. Strong background in malware analysis, reverse engineering, and/or social engineering tactics and defenses.
  5. Demonstrated ability to produce clear, actionable written and verbal communication for a variety of audiences.
  6. Advanced degree, relevant professional security certifications, or equivalent operational experience highly valued.
  7. Experience building benchmarking or evaluation frameworks in cybersecurity is a plus.

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