Junior Embedded Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researcher
About The Position
Battelle's Mission Focused Tools group is seeking Junior Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researchers to support their Cyber research team in Columbus, OH. This role involves hands-on work with hardware to reverse engineer embedded systems, understand their operation, and identify vulnerabilities. The position is part of an elite, multi-disciplinary team focused on developing unique embedded security solutions for government and industrial customers, working in small agile teams with access to high-powered labs and specialized tools. The company encourages new ideas through an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program and rewards innovation through an IP compensation program.
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 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.
- Focus on hardware hacking, extracting and reverse engineering firmware.
- Identify vulnerabilities.
- Develop tools.
- Support research workflows that help teams better understand embedded devices.
Benefits
- Comprehensive and competitive benefits
- Flexible, 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
- Family formation support
- Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan (5% company contribution regardless of employee contribution, plus matching)
- Tuition assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
