Arsiem

IT consulting and cybersecurity for governments

Subject Matter Expert 2

Security Operations & Incident ResponseConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeArlington County, Arlington, VA, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline is required.
At least 10 years of experience in hardware reverse engineering or embedded systems analysis is required.
Deep expertise in operational technology and industrial control systems hardware platforms and vulnerabilities is required.
Ability to analyze novel or proprietary systems with limited documentation is required.
Strong communication skills for explaining complex technical findings are required.
Experience collaborating in research-oriented environments is required.
Strong experience with firmware reverse engineering and analysis is required.
Proficiency with reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, and Binary Ninja is required.
Deep understanding of ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, and other embedded processor architectures is required.
Experience analyzing network-edge devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and Internet of Things devices is required.
Knowledge of hardware debugging interfaces such as JTAG, SWD, and UART is required.
Strong programming and scripting skills in Python, C, and Assembly are required.
Understanding of exploitation techniques targeting embedded systems is required.
Experience with malware analysis in hardware and firmware contexts is required.
An active TS/SCI clearance and the ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security Entry on Duty suitability are required.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive hardware reverse engineering of operational technology and industrial control systems devices.
Analyze network-edge devices and embedded systems compromised by advanced threats.
Perform in-depth analysis of proprietary hardware targeted by adversaries.
Conduct reverse engineering, failure analysis, vulnerability analysis, and other research techniques to understand complex hardware systems, assess component functionality, and identify exploitation risks.
Identify and extract deeply embedded malware from hardware components.
Reverse engineer firmware and low-level software on embedded devices.
Collaborate with research teams to leverage analytical capabilities.
Use and enhance the KI2 system emulation capabilities for hardware analysis.
Document exploitation methodologies and defensive countermeasures.
Develop standard operating procedures for hardware forensics workflows.
Train CSD analysts on hardware reverse engineering techniques.
Provide expert consultation on edge-device security and vulnerabilities.
Support forensic investigations in environments lacking endpoint detection and response visibility.
Analyze proprietary communication protocols and embedded system functions.
Identify hardware backdoors, implants, and malicious modifications.
Collaborate with electrical engineers on chip-off forensics procedures.
Provide reach-back support to operational analysts during active investigations.
Contribute to research initiatives on emerging hardware threats.
Document technical findings and intelligence for stakeholder dissemination.

Desired Qualifications

A master's degree or PhD is preferred.
Experience supporting federal cybersecurity or critical infrastructure protection programs is preferred.
Experience performing inspection, imaging, decapsulation, deprocessing, and other hardware reverse engineering and exploitation activities in a state-of-the-art microelectronics exploitation laboratory is preferred.
A background in offensive security or penetration testing of operational technology environments is preferred.
Advanced reverse engineering certifications such as GREM or GXPN are preferred.
Experience with SCADA, PLC, RTU, and other industrial control components is preferred.
Knowledge of critical infrastructure sector technologies, including energy, utilities, and manufacturing, is preferred.
Familiarity with supply chain security and hardware implant detection is preferred.
Experience with system emulation platforms and virtual hardware analysis is preferred.
Understanding of threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures targeting operational technology and edge devices is preferred.
A background in electronics manufacturing or hardware security research is preferred.
Experience with chip decapsulation and invasive hardware analysis techniques is preferred.
DoD 8140.01 IAT Level III is preferred.
PMP is preferred.

About ARSIEM Corporation

At ARSIEM Corporation we are committed to fostering a proven and trusted partnership with our government clients. We provide support to multiple agencies across the United States Government. ARSIEM has an experienced workforce of qualified professionals committed to providing the best possible support.

As demand increases, ARSIEM continues to provide reliable and cutting-edge technical solutions at the best value to our clients. That means a career packed with opportunities to grow and the ability to have an impact on every client you work with.

ARSIEM is looking for Subject Matter Expert Hardware Reverse Engineers to support this critical customer mission. The Subject Matter Expert Hardware Reverse Engineer will provide specialized expertise in hardware reverse engineering focused on operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems. This position requires deep technical knowledge of proprietary hardware systems, exploitation methodologies, and defensive strategies to support forensic investigations of compromised edge devices and systems where threat actors have embedded malware deeply within hardware components. This position focuses on the analytical and investigative aspects of hardware forensics, with particular emphasis on operational technology and industrial control systems. The ideal candidates will have strong reverse engineering skills and deep understanding of threat actor methodologies targeting critical infrastructure. This position will support one of our Government clients in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive hardware reverse engineering of OT and ICS devices
Analyze network-edge devices and embedded systems compromised by advanced threats
Perform deep-dive analysis of proprietary hardware targeted by adversaries
Conduct reverse engineering, failure analysis, vulnerability analysis, and other research techniques to understand complex hardware systems, assess the functionality of components, and identify exploitation risks
Identify and extract deeply embedded malware from hardware components
Reverse engineer firmware and low-level software on embedded devices
Collaborate with Nightwing research teams to leverage cutting-edge analytical capabilities
Utilize and enhance KI2 system emulation capabilities for hardware analysis
Document exploitation methodologies and defensive countermeasures
Develop standard operating procedures for hardware forensics workflows
Train CSD analysts on hardware reverse engineering techniques
Provide expert consultation on edge device security and vulnerabilities
Support forensic investigations in environments lacking EDR visibility
Analyze proprietary communication protocols and embedded systems functions
Identify hardware backdoors, implants, and malicious modifications
Collaborate with electrical engineers on chip-off forensics procedures
Provide reach-back support to operational analysts during active investigations
Contribute to research initiatives on emerging hardware threats
Document technical findings and intelligence for stakeholder dissemination

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline; Master’s degree or PhD preferred
10+ years of experience in hardware reverse engineering or embedded systems analysis
Deep expertise in OT/ICS hardware platforms and vulnerabilities
Ability to analyze novel or proprietary systems with limited documentation
Strong communication skills for explaining complex technical findings
Experience working collaboratively in research-oriented environments
Strong experience with firmware reverse engineering and analysis
Proficiency with reverse engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja)
Deep understanding of ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, and other embedded processor architectures
Experience analyzing network-edge devices (routers, switches, firewalls, IoT devices)
Knowledge of hardware debugging interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART)
Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, C, Assembly)
Understanding of exploitation techniques targeting embedded systems
Experience with malware analysis in hardware/firmware contexts
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting federal cybersecurity or critical infrastructure protection programs
Experience performing inspection, imaging, decapsulation, deprocessing, and other activities related to hardware reverse engineering and exploitation in a state-of-the-art microelectronics exploitation laboratory
Background in offensive security or penetration testing of OT environments
Advanced certifications in reverse engineering (GREM, GXPN, or similar)
Experience with SCADA, PLC, RTU, and other industrial control components
Knowledge of critical infrastructure sector technologies (energy, utilities, manufacturing)
Familiarity with supply chain security and hardware implant detection
Experience with system emulation platforms and virtual hardware analysis
Understanding of threat actor TTPs targeting OT and edge devices
Background in electronics manufacturing or hardware security research
Experience with chip decapsulation and invasive hardware analysis techniques
DoD 8140.01 IAT Level III
PMP

Clearance Requirement: This position requires an Active TS/SCI clearance and the ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability.

Candidate Referral: Do you know someone who would be GREAT at this role? If you do, ARSIEM has a way for you to earn a bonus through our referral program for persons presenting NEW (not in our resume database) candidates who are successfully placed on one of our projects. The bonus for this position is $3,500, and the referrer is eligible to receive the sum for any applicant we place within 12 months of referral. The bonus is paid after the referred employee reaches 6 months of employment.

ARSIEM is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.

About the Company

Arsiem

IT consulting and cybersecurity for governments

ARSIEM Corporation provides advanced IT consulting services, specializing in multiple areas including cybersecurity, enterprise architecture and development, and applications development, predominantly for government clients. The firm is distinguished by its deep commitment to cybersecurity and robust IT solutions that ensure enhanced protection and efficient digital infrastructures. This commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies in specialized areas of IT makes ARSIEM Corporation an excellent workplace for professionals aiming to actively contribute to significant, high-impact projects within the government sector.

Company size: 11-50
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
Founded: 2013

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