Hardware Reverse Engineer

SME Hardware Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA

Title: Subject Matter Expert II

Seeking an experienced and technically proficient Subject Matter Expert (SME) Hardware Reverse Engineer to provide specialized expertise in hardware reverse engineering focused on operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems. This position requires 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.

Eligibility:

Must be a US Citizen

Must have an active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI

Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability prior to starting employment

10+ years of experience in hardware reverse engineering or embedded systems analysis

Responsibilities Include:

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

Conduct reverse engineering, failure analysis, vulnerability analysis, and other research techniques to understand complex hardware systems, assess the functionality of components, and identify exploitation risks

Identify and extract deeply embedded malware from hardware components

Reverse engineer firmware and low-level software on embedded devices

Collaborate with Solutions LLC 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

Required Skills:

Deep expertise in OT/ICS hardware platforms and vulnerabilities

Ability to analyze novel or proprietary systems with limited documentation

Strong communication skills for explaining complex technical findings

Experience working collaboratively in research-oriented environments

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)

Knowledge of hardware debugging interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART)

Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, C, Assembly)

Understanding of exploitation techniques targeting embedded systems

Experience with malware analysis in hardware/firmware contexts

Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

Desired 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

Background in offensive security or penetration testing of OT environments

Advanced certifications in reverse engineering (GREM, GXPN, or similar)

Experience with SCADA, PLC, RTU, and other industrial control components

Knowledge of critical infrastructure sector technologies (energy, utilities, manufacturing)

Familiarity with supply chain security and hardware implant detection

Experience with system emulation platforms and virtual hardware analysis

Understanding of threat actor TTPs targeting OT and edge devices

Background in electronics manufacturing or hardware security research

Experience with chip decapsulation and invasive hardware analysis techniques

Desired Certifications:

DoD 8140 IAT Level III

Project Management Professional

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