Carnegie Mellon University · 14 hours ago
Senior Reverse Engineer Researcher
Carnegie Mellon University is a leading institution in software engineering and computer security, and they are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. The role involves reverse engineering malicious code, developing new analysis methods, and collaborating with the broader security community to address complex security threats.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
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
Explore ways to use artificial intelligence to support reverse engineering and apply reverse engineering practices to artificial intelligence systems
Design, prototype, and transition new analysis methods and tools
Identify and document emerging and complex active security threats
Participate in the broader security community through collaboration, papers, and presentations
Qualification
Required
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
Enjoy working on emerging and complex malware analysis and reverse engineering problems
Have an analytical mindset and deep curiosity about how software works
Ability to balance rapid prototyping with maintainable tool development
Strong technical writing experience
Recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information
Able to handle continual shifting priorities
Enjoy mentoring and training others as well as sharing knowledge
Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences
Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI's overall mission including sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate Travel (15%)
Subject to a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance
Preferred
Experience with or knowledge of reverse engineering software binaries for a variety of architectures, both at the user level and kernel level
Static analysis tools (e.g. IDA Pro, NSA Ghidra, Binary Ninja)
User-level and kernel-level debuggers (e.g. x32dbg, x64dbg, gdb, WinDbg)
Native programming languages (e.g. C/C++)
High-level programming languages (e.g. Java, Python, GoLang, etc.)
Software engineering and design concepts
Firmware and device driver development
Malware tradecraft and threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
Malware signature creation and use, independent of detection technology
Operating system concepts and internals and binary file formats (e.g. PE, ELF, Mach-O, etc.)
Internet Protocols and network analysis tools (e.g. Wireshark, netcat, etc.)
Compiler theory, cryptography, and malware deobfuscation techniques
Mobile device development and reverse engineering
Malware sandboxes or instrumentation frameworks (e.g., Frida, QEMU, Unicorn Engine)
General understanding and experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning and using artificial intelligence to support reverse engineering and malware analysis
Benefits
8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself
Tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you and your dependent children
Healthy work/life balance with flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave
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
Annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies
Relocation assistance
Company
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that offers degrees in technology, arts, and various other fields.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$488.58MKey Investors
ICANNAppalachian Regional CommissioneBPF Foundation
2025-05-29Grant· $0.45M
2024-09-05Grant· $0.5M
2024-08-29Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
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