Early Embedded Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researcher

Do you have a passion for understanding how things work, and ultimately, how they break? Do you enjoy working close to the hardware and understanding how embedded systems actually operate? Are you curious about how firmware works all the way down to the silicon? Do you enjoy working with a team to discover vulnerabilities in increasingly complex devices?, Battelle’s Misson Focused Tools group is currently seeking Early Career Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researchers to support our Cyber research team in our Columbus, OH office location., As an Early Career Embedded Systems RE/VR, you will work hands-on with hardware to reverse engineer embedded systems and understand how they operate. In a given day you will work with a close-knit team of researchers to solve complex problems and achieve real world effects. Your role will focus on hardware hacking, extracting and reverse engineering firmware, identifying vulnerabilities, developing tools, and supporting research workflows that help our teams better understand embedded devices.

“From Silicon to Systems” - We are an elite, multi-disciplinary team bringing together the brightest minds from physics, chemistry, material science, computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics to develop unique embedded security solutions for government and industrial customers.

Battelle has been trusted by elite government clients to solve some of the world’s hardest security problems. We work in small agile teams to push the bounds of computing technology. Our high-powered labs include specialized hardware, tools, and techniques that enable our engineers to push the cutting edge of cyber solutions.

We encourage new ideas with our large Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program, where engineers work on projects they are passionate about. Inventors and innovators are rewarded through a generous IP compensation program. Our group works collaboratively with many parts of Battelle’s larger organization on projects ranging from genomics to robotics.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study and (0-2) years of experience, OR Master’s degree in a relevant field, OR an equivalent combination of education/experience in a relevant field
• Familiarity with digital and analog components (resistors, capacitors, timers, ICs, etc.)
• Experience coding in a low-level language (C, C++, Rust) and a scripting language (Python, Perl, Ruby, etc.)
• Experience with a reverse engineering tools (Ghidra, IDA Pro, BinaryNinja, etc.)
• Basic understanding of debugging techniques and tools (GDB, JTAG, SWD, etc.)
• Familiarity with hardware registers, peripherals, memory maps, and reading datasheets
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment while continuing to learn new technologies
• Strong curiosity about how systems work internally
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability and willingness to obtain a DoD Secret or higher clearance, * Holds an active DoD Secret or higher clearance
• Familiarity with assembly language (ARM, x86/x64, PowerPC, or other 8/32/64-bit architectures)
• Exposure to bare-metal and embedded RTOS environments
• Experience using laboratory equipment (multimeter, logic analyzer, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, etc.)
• Understanding of embedded interfaces (UART, SPI, CAN, I2C, USB, etc.)
• Understanding of wireless protocols (BLE, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, etc.)
• Participation in security research, CTFs, or hardware/firmware projects
• Familiarity with fault injection techniques to alter execution flow in ICs
• Experience with soldering surface mount components and wiring connectorsa

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $105,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together : Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities