Principal Software Reverse Engineer

systemstechnologyresearch

San Diego, CA · San Diego · United States

Posted Mar 6, 2026

Full-time
On-site
Scalable Exploitation & Characterization (SEC)

Job description

STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This opportunity will be part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers dedicated to developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work at the nexus of computers and real-world physical systems. We believe that each employee has a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing our customers with innovative solutions. The skills listed below are representative of those needed for this role but are not the only acceptable set. If you see an overlap with your skills, go ahead and apply!.

Work must be performed onsite and Active Top Secret (TS) Clearance required.

What you’ll do:

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems
Developing and applying automated reverse engineering and binary analysis tools to characterize protocols, interfaces, and functionality of target systems
Developing innovative cybersecurity solutions
Leading multi-discipline teams to tackle challenging problems from a wide variety of technologies to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions
Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets
Technical marketing to existing and potential customers
Technical proposal development (idea generation, writing, reviewing, editing)
Documenting, demonstrating, and presenting research
Solving real world problems that have an impact on national security

Who you are:

This position requires an Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government.
Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity or related field plus a minimum of 15 years relevant experience
(MS or PhD with equivalent work experience may also be considered)
Substantial experience leading technical teams on advanced reverse engineering and exploitation programs
Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware
Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra
Proficiency in multiple Assembly Languages: x86, ARM, etc.
Proficiency in one or more programming languages: C/C++, Python, etc.
Deep understanding of reverse engineering fundamentals
Experience in Vulnerability research and analysis
Knowledge of weaponizing discovered vulnerabilities into exploits

Nice to haves:

Implant or software patch development
Familiarity with binary emulation or vulnerability research, including tools such as QEMU or AFL++
Experience with DSP architectures, such as Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, NXP, or Analog Devices.
Knowledge of operating system internals including memory/process/thread management
Embedded systems or firmware analysis
Experience development custom emulation tools to enable dynamic analysis
Disassembler/decompiler module development
Experience analyzing and reconstructing code/data flow
Automated reverse engineering or software analysis tool development
Experience debugging software without source code
Knowledge of binary file structures and formats
Experience analyzing protocols or message structures
Knowledge of anti-reverse engineering techniques
Knowledge of intrusion detection and anti-malware systems and techniques

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $204,000 - $284,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.