Hardware Reverse Engineer SME

Job Requirements Arlington, VA Top Secret/SCI Polygraph not specified Career Level not specified $190,000 - $200,000 Job Description Hardware Reverse Engineer SME (TS/SCI)

Location:

Arlington, VA Clearance:

Active TS/SCI required Apply Now! or

Contact Recruiter:

Brenton Anderson Email:

banderson3@kforce.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/myitrecruiterbrenton/ Overview We are seeking a highly specialized Hardware Reverse Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a mission-critical federal cybersecurity program focused on responding to sophisticated cyber attacks and protecting critical infrastructure. This role centers on advanced hardware forensics across operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) environments. You will play a key role in analyzing compromised devices, uncovering deeply embedded threats, and supporting investigations where traditional detection capabilities are limited. Key Responsibilities Conduct advanced hardware reverse engineering on OT/ICS and embedded systems Analyze compromised network-edge devices (routers, switches, firewalls, IoT) Perform deep technical analysis of proprietary or undocumented hardware platforms Reverse engineer firmware and low-level software on embedded devices Identify and extract embedded malware from hardware components Perform vulnerability analysis, failure analysis, and exploitation assessments Analyze proprietary communication protocols and system-level functionality Identify hardware implants, backdoors, and malicious modifications Support forensic investigations in environments lacking traditional endpoint visibility Collaborate with engineering and research teams on advanced analysis techniques Develop standard operating procedures for hardware forensic workflows Provide subject matter expertise to operational teams during active investigations Train analysts on hardware reverse engineering methodologies Document technical findings, exploitation methods, and defensive countermeasures Contribute to research initiatives focused on emerging hardware-based threats Required Qualifications Active TS/SCI clearance Ability to obtain additional federal suitability as required 10+ years of experience in hardware reverse engineering or embedded systems analysis Deep expertise in OT/ICS hardware systems and vulnerabilities Strong experience with firmware reverse engineering and analysis Proficiency with reverse engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja) Strong understanding of embedded processor architectures (ARM, MIPS, PowerPC) Experience with hardware debugging interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART) Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, C, Assembly) Experience analyzing edge devices, embedded systems, and proprietary platforms Knowledge of exploitation techniques targeting embedded systems Experience with malware analysis in hardware/firmware contexts Ability to analyze complex systems with limited documentation Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting cybersecurity or critical infrastructure environments Hands-on experience with advanced hardware analysis techniques (e.g., chip-off, imaging, deprocessing) Background in offensive security or OT-focused penetration testing Experience with industrial systems (SCADA, PLCs, RTUs) Familiarity with critical infrastructure sectors (energy, utilities, manufacturing) Understanding of supply chain security and hardware implant detection Experience with system emulation or virtual hardware analysis platforms Knowledge of adversary tactics targeting OT and embedded systems Background in hardware security research or electronics engineering environments Education Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) preferred Certifications (Preferred) DoD 8140-aligned certifications (IAT Level III or similar) PMP or relevant advanced technical certifications group id: kforcecx Log in to view the job poster Apply now