Senior Principal Reverse Engineer

This subject matter expert performs hardware reverse engineering of operational technology (OT) and industrial control system (ICS) devices to support forensic investigations of compromised edge devices and systems.

• 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 component functionality, 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 Nightwing 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 system 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

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active TS/SCI clearance and ability to obtain DHS Suitability
• 10+ years of experience in hardware reverse engineering or embedded systems analysis
• 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

• Experience supporting federal cybersecurity or critical infrastructure protection programs
• Experience performing inspection, imaging, decapsulation, deprocessing, and related activities 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

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

• DoD 8140.01 IAT Level III
• PMP Syndeo: ESS-3417, ESS-3418

The salary for this position ranges from $122,000 to $253,000, based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated expertise. Nightwing offers medical, vision, and dental insurance coverage, a 401(k) plan, PTO, holidays, and additional insurance options.

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, veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.