Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Cyber-Physical Systems Development Group at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer to develop advanced capabilities addressing challenges for the defense and intelligence communities. The group develops capabilities to analyze and exploit technologies that sense, communicate, and operate in the real world, including cameras, drones, networking gear, mobile devices, and wearables. The role contributes to practical capabilities that expand U.S. operators’ awareness, access, and freedom of action. The Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer analyzes embedded-system hardware, firmware, and software to understand designs, functions, and vulnerabilities; develops solutions to enhance, moderate, or otherwise modify target-platform behavior; and researches and applies AI technologies to accelerate cyber capability development. The role also documents and communicates technical knowledge and delivered capabilities, identifies emerging technologies, engages with sponsors, and proposes ideas addressing evolving operational challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another discipline relevant to the described duties.
At least 3 years of experience in embedded systems engineering or security research.
Proficiency in hardware reverse engineering, including PCB trace analysis, component identification, and use of digital multimeters, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
Expert-level experience interacting with hardware debug interfaces such as JTAG, SWD, UART, SPI, and I2C.
Mastery of disassembly and decompilation tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, and Binary Ninja.
Development experience in low-level languages such as C and Assembly for ARM or similar architectures.
Proven ability to quickly acquire deep technical proficiency in unfamiliar domains or specialized systems.
Ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship and successful completion of a government security clearance investigation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
At least 5 years of professional experience that includes offensive cyber capability development.
Demonstrated experience with hardware and software architectures of IoT devices, uncrewed systems, or other edge computing devices.
Experience applying AI/ML, including agentic AI, to automate vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, software engineering, or other complex technical workflows.

Responsibilities

Analyze embedded-system hardware, firmware, and software to understand designs, functions, and vulnerabilities.
Develop solutions that enhance, moderate, or otherwise modify the behavior of target platforms.
Research and apply AI technologies to accelerate all stages of cyber capability development.
Document and communicate knowledge and delivered capabilities to teammates, leaders, and sponsors.
Identify emerging technologies, engage with sponsors, and propose ideas addressing evolving operational challenges.

Benefits

Robust education assistance program.
Retirement contributions and retirement plans.
Paid time off.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Short-term disability insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Training and development.
Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.