Early Embedded Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researcher

Battelle • Columbus, OH

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Do you have a passion for understanding how things work, and ultimately, how they break? Do you enjoy working close to the hardware and understanding how embedded systems actually operate? Are you curious about how firmware works all the way down to the silicon? Do you enjoy working with a team to discover vulnerabilities in increasingly complex devices? Battelle’s Misson Focused Tools group is currently seeking Early Career Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researchers to support our Cyber research team in our Columbus, OH office location.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study and (0-2) years of experience, OR Master’s degree in a relevant field, OR an equivalent combination of education/experience in a relevant field
• Familiarity with digital and analog components (resistors, capacitors, timers, ICs, etc.)
• Experience coding in a low-level language (C, C++, Rust) and a scripting language (Python, Perl, Ruby, etc.)
• Experience with a reverse engineering tools (Ghidra, IDA Pro, BinaryNinja, etc.)
• Basic understanding of debugging techniques and tools (GDB, JTAG, SWD, etc.)
• Familiarity with hardware registers, peripherals, memory maps, and reading datasheets
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment while continuing to learn new technologies
• Strong curiosity about how systems work internally
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability and willingness to obtain a DoD Secret or higher clearance

Nice To Haves

• Holds an active DoD Secret or higher clearance
• Familiarity with assembly language (ARM, x86/x64, PowerPC, or other 8/32/64-bit architectures)
• Exposure to bare-metal and embedded RTOS environments
• Experience using laboratory equipment (multimeter, logic analyzer, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, etc.)
• Understanding of embedded interfaces (UART, SPI, CAN, I2C, USB, etc.)
• Understanding of wireless protocols (BLE, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, etc.)
• Participation in security research, CTFs, or hardware/firmware projects
• Familiarity with fault injection techniques to alter execution flow in ICs
• Experience with soldering surface mount components and wiring connectors

Responsibilities

• Work hands-on with hardware to reverse engineer embedded systems and understand how they operate.
• Work with a close-knit team of researchers to solve complex problems and achieve real world effects.
• Focus on hardware hacking, extracting and reverse engineering firmware, identifying vulnerabilities, developing tools, and supporting research workflows that help our teams better understand embedded devices.

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule (every other Friday off)
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness incentives and benefits
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• 401(k) retirement savings plan (5% company contribution regardless of employee contribution, plus matching)
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level