Senior Principal Reverse Engineer with Security Clearance

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Subject Matter Expert with hardware reverse engineering to support this critical customer mission. The Subject Matter Expert Hardware Reverse Engineers will provide specialized expertise in hardware reverse engineering focused on operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems. Th is position require s deep technical knowledge of proprietary hardware systems, exploitation methodologies, and defensive strategies to support forensic investigations of compromised edge devices and systems where threat actors have embedded malware deeply within hardware components. This position focuses on the analytical and investigative aspects of hardware forensics, with particular emphasis on operational technology and industrial control systems. The ideal candidates will have strong reverse engineering skills and deep understanding of threat actor methodologies targeting critical infrastructure. Responsibilities:Conduct comprehensive hardware reverse engineering of OT and ICS devicesAnalyze network-edge devices and embedded systems compromised by advanced threatsPerform deep-dive analysis of proprietary hardware targeted by adversariesConduct reverse engineering, failure analysis, vulnerability analysis, and othe r research techniques to understand complex hardware systems, assess the functionality of components, and identify exploitation risksIdentify and extract deeply embedded malware from hardware componentsReverse engineer firmware and low-level software on embedded devicesCollaborate with Nightwing research teams to leverage cutting-edge analytical capabilitiesUtilize and enhance KI2 system emulation capabilities for hardware analysisDocument exploitation methodologies and defensive countermeasuresDevelop standard operating procedures for hardware forensics workflowsTrain CSD analysts on hardware reverse engineering techniquesProvide expert consultation on edge device security and vulnerabilitiesSupport forensic investigations in environments lacking EDR visibilityAnalyze proprietary communication protocols and embedded systems functionsIdentify hardware backdoors, implants, and malicious modificationsCollaborate with electrical engineers on chip-off forensics proceduresProvide reach-back support to operational analysts during active investigationsContribute to research initiatives on emerging hardware threatsDocument technical findings and intelligence for stakeholder dissemination Required Skills :U.S. CitizenshipMust have an active TS/SCI clearanceMust be able to obtain DHS Suitability10 + years of experience in hardware reverse engineering or embedded systems analysisDeep expertise in OT/ICS hardware platforms and vulnerabilitiesAbility to analyze novel or proprietary systems with limited documentationStrong communication skills for explaining complex technical findingsExperience working collaboratively in research-oriented environmentsStrong experience with firmware reverse engineering and analysisProficiency with reverse engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja)Deep understanding of ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, and other embedded processor architecturesExperience analyzing network-edge devices (routers, switches, firewalls, IoT devices)Knowledge of hardware debugging interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART)Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, C, Assembly)Understanding of exploitation techniques targeting embedded systemsExperience with malware analysis in hardware/firmware contextsExcellent analytical and problem-solving abilities Desired Skills :Experience supporting federal cybersecurity or critical infrastructure protection programsExperience p erform ing inspection, imaging, decapsulation, deprocessing, and other activities related to hardware reverse engineering and exploitation in a state-of-the-art microelectronics exploitation laboratoryBackground in offensive security or penetration testing of OT environmentsAdvanced certifications in reverse engineering (GREM, GXPN, or similar)Experience with SCADA, PLC, RTU, and other industrial control componentsKnowledge of critical infrastructure sector technologies (energy, utilities, manufacturing)Familiarity with supply chain security and hardware implant detectionExperience with system emulation platforms and virtual hardware analysisUnderstanding of threat actor TTPs targeting OT and edge devicesBackground in electronics manufacturing or hardware security researchExperience with chip decapsulation and invasive hardware analysis techniques Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline ; Master 's degree or PhD preferred Desired Certifications:DoD 8140.01 IAT Level IIIPMP Syndeo: ESS-3417 , ESS-3418 At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team. 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.