Senior Embedded Software Vulnerability Researcher

MITRE Corporation • Bedford, MA

426d

About The Position

MITRE's Electronic Systems Security department is seeking talented software vulnerability researchers and reverse engineers focused on embedded systems. The role involves tackling complex embedded software security problems, conducting technical assessments, researching vulnerabilities, and developing exploit proofs-of-concept. The position offers the opportunity to work on projects of national significance and contribute to the development of advanced tools for embedded software security.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or similar field with 5 years of related experience; Master's degree with 3 years; or PhD with relevant experience
• Must be a US citizen capable of obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret security clearance
• Expertise in reverse engineering software binaries/embedded firmware
• Practical experience with disassemblers, decompilers, firmware unpacking, and debuggers
• Expertise in reverse engineering for embedded processor architectures, preferably ARM
• Experience in modern binary exploitation techniques and software vulnerability analysis
• Experience developing software with C/C++ and Python
• Experience with low-level software development (embedded systems, kernels, device drivers)
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience; Master's with 6 years; or PhD with 3 years of experience
• Possess an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• Experience leading teams in developing or evaluating secure embedded systems
• Experience with fuzz testing software applications or embedded firmware
• Instrumentation/debug of embedded software or firmware
• Firmware rehosting and peripheral modeling
• Symbolic analysis
• Experience with Linux kernel, kernel drivers, or real-time operating systems
• Familiarity with commercial embedded and hardware security technologies

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer and perform vulnerability research against complex embedded system software
• Prototype technical capabilities in hardware and software, such as proof-of-concept software exploits
• Guide project teams and shape research strategies to deliver solutions for customers
• Define and lead efforts to create software infrastructure and tools for reverse engineering and vulnerability research
• Research emerging threats to embedded systems and develop countermeasures
• Mentor junior engineers in reverse engineering and vulnerability research
• Communicate project strategy, risk, and results to MITRE program leaders and customers
• Collaborate with academic partners to enhance embedded security education

Benefits

• Competitive benefits
• Exceptional professional development opportunities
• Culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree