Senior Reverse Engineer Researcher

About the role

The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time.

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking an applicant for the role of a Senior Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. The SEI is a federally funded research and development center at Carnegie Mellon University.

What you’ll do

• Reverse engineer malicious code in support of high-impact customers, design and develop new analysis methods and tools, work to identify and address emerging and complex threats, and effectively participate in the broader security community.
• Perform in-depth reverse engineering of malicious code, document and transition results in reports, presentations, and technical exchanges.
• Design, prototype, and transition new analysis methods and tools.
• Identify and document high-impact, emerging, and complex active security threats.
• Participate in the broader security community through collaboration, papers, and presentations.

Who you are

• You have strong technical writing experience.
• You recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information.
• You are able to handle continual shifting priorities.
• You enjoy mentoring and training others as well as sharing knowledge.
• You communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
• You have a BS in Computer Science or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience.
• You have a willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission This includes sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate Travel (15%).
• You will be subject to a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of Defense security clearance.

You have experience with or knowledge of

• Reverse engineering software binaries.
• Using disassemblers and decompilers (e.g. IDA Pro, NSA Ghidra).
• Using debuggers (e.g. x32dbg, x64dbg, gdb, WinDbg).
• Using hex editors and binary analysis similar tools.
• Good knowledge of C/C++, low-level programming, and computer architecture.
• Python or Java development.
• Familiarity with common assembly languages (Intel x86, Intel x64, ARM, etc.).
• Understanding of binary file formats (PE, ELF, Mach-O).
• Solid understanding of programming languages and operating system concepts.
• Signature development independent of detection technology.
• Developing extensions or scripts for reverse engineering tools.
• Operating system APIs and security models.
• Internet Protocols and network analysis tools (e.g. Wireshark, netcat, and others).
• Cryptographic algorithms.
• Kernel-level debugging.
• Device driver development.
• Mobile device development and reverse engineering.
• VirtualBox or VMWare admin or development.
• Build hardware / hardware emulation environments suitable for developing/validating UEFI and other firmware exploits.
• General understanding and experience in Machine Learning.

Why work here?

• Join a world-class organization that has significant impact on software.
• Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
• Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself.
• Get tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you and your dependent children.
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave.
• Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, childcare and back-up care benefits, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit System.
• Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies.
• Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more.

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits.
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance