Reverse Engineer Researcher

About The Role

The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time.

What you’ll do

• Reverse engineer malicious code in support of high-impact customers
• Design and develop new analysis methods and tools
• Work to identify and address emerging and complex threats
• Effectively participate in the broader security community

Who you are

• You have BS in Computer Science or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience.
• You enjoy working on emerging and complex malware analysis and reverse engineering problems.
• You have an analytical mindset and deep curiosity about how software works.
• You have the ability to balance rapid prototyping with maintainable tool development.
• You have strong technical writing experience.
• You recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information.
• You are able to handle continual shifting priorities.
• You enjoy mentoring and training others as well as sharing knowledge.
• You communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
• You have a willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission This includes sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion.
• Moderate Travel (15%)
• You will be subject to a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance

Qualifications

• Experience with or knowledge of Reverse engineering software binaries for a variety of architectures, both at the user level and kernel level
• Static analysis tools (e.g. IDA Pro, NSA Ghidra, Binary Ninja)
• User-level and kernel-level debuggers (e.g. x32dbg, x64dbg, gdb, WinDbg)
• Native programming languages (e.g. C/C++)
• High-level programming languages (e.g. Java, Python, GoLang, etc.)
• Software engineering and design concepts
• Firmware and device driver development
• Malware tradecraft and threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
• Malware signature creation and use, independent of detection technology
• Operating system concepts and internals and binary file formats (e.g. PE, ELF, Mach-O, etc.)
• Internet Protocols and network analysis tools (e.g. Wireshark, netcat, etc.)
• Compiler theory, cryptography, and malware deobfuscation techniques.
• Mobile device development and reverse engineering
• Malware sandboxes or instrumentation frameworks (e.g., Frida, QEMU, Unicorn Engine).
• General understanding and experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning and using artificial intelligence to support reverse engineering and malware analysis

Why work here?

• Join a world-class organization that has significant impact on software
• Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation
• Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave
• Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies
• Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance
• Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more
• For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular Full Time/Part time Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information

Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Statement of Assurance