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
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
We offer roles across all three clearance levels: Confidential, Secret and Top Secret. With a Top Secret Facilities clearance, a proven subcontractor track record and a deep understanding of agencies across Defense, Intelligence, Homeland, Justice and Federal Civilian Sectors, Kforce brings more than 20 years of experience to supporting critical missions at federal, state and local levels.
