Mid-level Malware Engineer / Active Top Secret

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of space. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, Peraton delivers trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces, solving the most daunting challenges facing customers each day.

About the role

Peraton is hiring a Mid-Level Malware Reverse Engineer for its Federal Strategic Cyber programs. Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid - On-site/Remote: 50/50). Local candidates able to work in a hybrid environment required.

As a Mid-Level Malware Reverse Engineer, you'll dissect advanced threats, support active cyber operations, and help shape defensive strategies that protect high-value government networks. This role is ideal for professionals who thrive on technical depth, complex malware challenges, and meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, analyze, and reverse-engineer malicious binaries to determine behavior, functionality, and intent.
• Perform static and dynamic analysis on malware samples across diverse platforms.
• Produce detailed technical reports outlining findings, characteristics, and operational implications of malicious code.
• Support active cyber operations and contribute to mission-driven malware analysis efforts.
• Recommend countermeasures and mitigation strategies for malware targeting government communication systems.
• Conduct reverse engineering on known and suspected malware to support incident response and threat-hunting activities.
• Develop and refine policies, procedures, and methodologies for malware investigations across multiple networks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant technical experience, or a Master's degree with 6+ years of experience. An additional 4 years of experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
• Experience analyzing malicious applications across Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and IoT devices.
• Hands-on experience with several of the following tools: IDA Pro, OllyDbg, x64dbg, Scylla x64, Objdump, Readelf, Ghidra, Process Explorer, CFF Explorer, Wireshark, Fiddler, Regshot, Process Monitor, Process Hacker.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of reverse-engineering methodologies and file reconstruction.
• Ability to unpack, de-obfuscate, and analyze highly complex malicious applications.
• Debugging experience, including identifying and defeating custom or known packers.
• Experience with disassemblers and disassembly workflows.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active Top Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain SCI.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS EOD background investigation.

Skills

• Experience with Python for automation or tooling.
• Programming knowledge in one or more of the following: Java, C, C++, .NET, PowerShell, Golang, C#.
• Familiarity with ICS/SCADA systems and related security considerations.

Pay

Target salary range: $112,000 - $179,000. Salary is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits

Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Health savings account
• Short/long term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Parental leave
• 401(k)
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation
• Company paid holidays