Junior Embedded Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researcher

Battelle•Columbus, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle's Misson Focused Tools group is currently seeking Junior Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researchers to support our Cyber research team in our Columbus, OH office location. As an 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. 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 (2-5) 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.