Junior Cyber Reverse Engineer

PNNL is looking for an early career cyber security engineer with an interest in software reverse engineering. The applicant should be comfortable with static and dynamic software analysis, versed in cyber threat modalities, and interested in joining a growing team of IT/OT experts. A passion for understanding unique systems and being able to communicate both the problem and potential mitigations is critical. This position is expected to take on tasks assigned by leadership, be mentored by senior engineers, and work with project leadership on novel directions for investigations.

• Designs, deploys, and operates systems, networks, applications, and tools that underpin cyber security and cyber defense.
• Provides integration of hardware, software, and other components to solve operational challenges for cyber defenders.
• Performs data and systems engineering functions to support cyber operations activities and systems.
• Engineers and deploys security and defensive countermeasures and controls.
• Ensures system security needed in operations are assessed, established, and included in design and development; executes security requirements definition, systems analysis, systems design, security hardening, security test and evaluation, and certification and accreditation.
• Supports operational systems and performs activities such as vulnerability scanning, network, and system security configuration, etc.
• Design and architecture of new approaches, methods and techniques for cyber defense and resiliency for information technology and operational technology systems and networks.
• May interface with external entities including law enforcement, intelligence and other government organizations and agencies.

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Comfortable with one or more disassemblers (IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, Ghidra).
• Comfortable with one or more assembly languages (x86, ARM, RISCV, PPC, etc).
• Comfortable with software development in compiled and scripting languages (C, C++, Rust, Python, etc).
• Comfortable with object files, compilers, linkers, loaders, and debuggers (ELF, DWARF, GDB, LLVM).
• Comfortable with both static and dynamic program analysis techniques.
• Comfortable with reverse engineering firmware and/or embedded systems from OT devices.
• Comfortable with emulation frameworks (QEMU, Renode).
• Comfortable with software exploitation techniques and modern mitigations.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $114,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $182,100.00/Yr.

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, part of the National Security Directorate, consists of over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. We work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions., Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs., Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.