Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Subject Matter Expert – Hardware Reverse EngineeringArlington VA Only W212+ Months contract 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 other 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 Base One 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:Must 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 performing 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