Senior Principal Reverse Engineer

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive hardware reverse engineering of OT and ICS devices
• Analyze network-edge devices and embedded systems compromised by advanced threats
• Perform deep-dive analysis of proprietary hardware targeted by adversaries
• Reverse engineer firmware and low-level software on embedded devices
• Collaborate with Nightwing research teams to leverage cutting-edge analytical capabilities
• Utilize and enhance KI2 system emulation capabilities for hardware analysis
• Document exploitation methodologies and defensive countermeasures
• Develop standard operating procedures for hardware forensics workflows
• Train CSD analysts on hardware reverse engineering techniques
• Provide expert consultation on edge device security and vulnerabilities
• Support forensic investigations in environments lacking EDR visibility
• Analyze proprietary communication protocols and embedded systems functions
• Identify hardware backdoors, implants, and malicious modifications
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on chip-off forensics procedures
• Provide reach-back support to operational analysts during active investigations
• Contribute to research initiatives on emerging hardware threats
• Document technical findings and intelligence for stakeholder dissemination

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Ability to obtain DHS Suitability
• 10+ years of experience in hardware reverse engineering or embedded systems analysis
• Deep expertise in OT/ICS hardware platforms and vulnerabilities
• Strong communication skills for explaining complex technical findings
• Strong experience with firmware reverse engineering and analysis
• Proficiency with reverse engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja)
• Deep understanding of ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, and other embedded processor architectures
• Experience analyzing network-edge devices (routers, switches, firewalls, IoT devices)
• Experience with malware analysis in hardware/firmware contexts
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline; Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Skills

• Experience supporting federal cybersecurity or critical infrastructure protection programs
• Experience performing inspection, imaging, decapsulation, deprocessing, and other activities related to hardware reverse engineering and exploitation in a state-of-the-art microelectronics exploitation laboratory
• Advanced certifications in reverse engineering (GREM, GXPN, or similar)
• Experience with SCADA, PLC, RTU, and other industrial control components
• Familiarity with supply chain security and hardware implant detection
• Understanding of threat actor TTPs targeting OT and edge devices
• Experience with chip decapsulation and invasive hardware analysis techniques

Benefits

Nightwing is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.