Early Embedded Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researcher
About The Position
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. As an Early Career Embedded Systems RE/VR, you will work hands-on with hardware to reverse engineer embedded systems and understand how they operate. In a given day you will work with a close-knit team of researchers to solve complex problems and achieve real world effects. Your role will 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. "From Silicon to Systems" – We are an elite, multi-disciplinary team bringing together the brightest minds from physics, chemistry, material science, computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics to develop unique embedded security solutions for government and industrial customers. Battelle has been trusted by elite government clients to solve some of the world’s hardest security problems. We work in small agile teams to push the bounds of computing technology. Our high-powered labs include specialized hardware, tools, and techniques that enable our engineers to push the cutting edge of cyber solutions. We encourage new ideas with our large Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program, where engineers work on projects they are passionate about. Inventors and innovators are rewarded through a generous IP compensation program. Our group works collaboratively with many parts of Battelle’s larger organization on projects ranging from genomics to robotics.
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 allowing for every other Friday off
- Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
- Paid time off
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives
- Optional supplemental benefits
- Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
- Tuition assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
