Senior Hardware Reverse Engineer
Johns Hopkins University APL
Laurel, MD · Posted June 4, 2026
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About the job
Description
Our elite team of reverse engineers is growing and we need more hardware experts who love to understand the inner workings of embedded systems ! We strive to foster an innovative and collaborative team environment where engineers can hack the latest technologies to find and exploit vulnerabilities to solve the hardest national security challenges and have real-world impact . Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing proof-of-concept offensive cyber capabilities with a focus on embedded systems.
Do you want to collaborate with world-class experts to crack seemingly-impossible problems ? If so, we want you to join our team at APL!
As a member of our group, you will...
Reverse engineer embedded systems and develop innovative exploits
Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development
Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
Mentor teammates in the art and science of reverse engineering hardware
Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
At least 5 years of relevant experience
Understand embedded hardware and software design, development, and testing
Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
Are skilled with oscilloscopes, multi-meters, power supplies, and logic analyzers
Have experience soldering, prototyping, and bread boarding
Have familiarity with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra
Are proficient with one or more low-level programming languages
Understand Unix/Linux operating systems
Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
Hold an active TS/SCI clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+Polygraph clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
Have demonstrated versatility with professional experience in hardware RE, software RE, and capability development
Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph
#LI-AG1
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers .
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu .
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually
Our elite team of reverse engineers is growing and we need more hardware experts who love to understand the inner workings of embedded systems ! We strive to foster an innovative and collaborative team environment where engineers can hack the latest technologies to find and exploit vulnerabilities to solve the hardest national security challenges and have real-world impact . Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing proof-of-concept offensive cyber capabilities with a focus on embedded systems.
Do you want to collaborate with world-class experts to crack seemingly-impossible problems ? If so, we want you to join our team at APL!
As a member of our group, you will...
Reverse engineer embedded systems and develop innovative exploits
Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development
Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
Mentor teammates in the art and science of reverse engineering hardware
Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
At least 5 years of relevant experience
Understand embedded hardware and software design, development, and testing
Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
Are skilled with oscilloscopes, multi-meters, power supplies, and logic analyzers
Have experience soldering, prototyping, and bread boarding
Have familiarity with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra
Are proficient with one or more low-level programming languages
Understand Unix/Linux operating systems
Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
Hold an active TS/SCI clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+Polygraph clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
Have demonstrated versatility with professional experience in hardware RE, software RE, and capability development
Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph
#LI-AG1