Engineer, Systems Engineer

Responsibilities

• Conduct firmware analysis and modification to reverse engineer state‑of‑the‑art commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) electronic devices and support testing and training efforts.
• Perform analysis to include research, testing/debugging, performance validation, quality control, and deployment.
• Conduct firmware analysis and simulations using software analysis tools such as IDA Pro and MPLAB.
• Develop software in assembly language, C, and Python to support the reverse engineering process.
• Prepare technical classification reports, briefings, and demonstrations derived from reverse engineering and software analysis results.
• Provide engineering support to the C5
  
  ISR Center Counter‑UAS and Emerging Threat Solutions (CETS) Division, aiding in the development of key technologies and processes.
• Conduct basic research, testing, debugging, performance validation, quality control, and deployment related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) electronics.
• Conduct fundamental investigations, evaluations, applications, and design implementations of new technologies, with a focus on integrating them into UAS platforms.
• Apply RF test techniques, operate standard laboratory and RF test equipment, and characterize components and circuits relevant to UAS.
• Assist engineers in design investigations, product replication, and development processes, focusing on UAS applications.
• Aid in the development of test fixtures using the latest electronic and mechanical CAD software, 3D printing, and PCB fabrication, with a particular emphasis on UAS requirements.
• Gain immersion and growth opportunities in manufacturing processes and test methods, specifically related to UAS technologies.
• Lead and participate in system test and evaluation efforts to ensure the system meets required specific work with cutting‑edge technologies including RF transmitters, RF receivers, GPS, RF amplifiers, and digital circuits specifically tailored for UAVs and land‑based sensors.

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• MA/MS and 5 years of experience or BA/BS in Computer Engineering, or a related field, and 7 years of experience.
• Significant understanding of reverse engineering tasks (static/dynamic analysis, machine code emulation, firmware review, and firmware modification), the ability to perform independent open‑source research, and a comprehensive understanding of integrated circuit architectures.
• Knowledge of IDA Pro and the use of FLIRT signature libraries to analyze firmware.
• Knowledge of the instruction sets for microprocessors, digital signal processors, and microcontrollers.
• Significant understanding of networking, cybersecurity, Linux, cryptography (public/private key pairs, symmetric, and asymmetric ciphers), and computer programming (C++/Python) and debugging.
• Experience with networking and communication protocols (TCP/IP, I2C, SPI, UART), Linux, ARM, and Android internal processing and kernels for both operating systems and applications.
• Understanding of RF communications with a focus on circuitry, benchtop experience with test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, etc.), and performing standard RF measurements (e.g., operating frequency, occupied bandwidth, average power, pulse width, etc.).
• Experience soldering and re‑working electronic circuit boards and components (e.g., through‑hole, surface mount, cable assemblies, and wire harnesses), and the ability to read and understand electronic schematics and interpret printed circuit boards (PCBs) based on those schematics.
• Ability to provide detailed technical analysis, develop accurate reports, and clearly brief findings and recommendations to technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Experience working with microcontrollers and embedded systems firmware such as Arduino and writing custom programs to configure and control COTS and programmable devices.
• Experience in reverse engineering electronic circuit boards and components.
• Experience reading and interpreting electronic schematics and printed circuit boards (PCBs).
• Solid background in practical electronics and/or RF theory.