As a Reverse Engineer Researcher at the CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) in Carnegie Mellon University, you will join a team dedicated to advancing software engineering principles and addressing complex security threats. Your role involves reverse engineering malicious code, developing new analysis methods and tools, identifying emerging threats, and engaging with the broader security community through collaboration and presentations. You must have expertise in static analysis tools like IDA Pro and NSA Ghidra, user-level and kernel-level debuggers such as x32dbg and WinDbg, and proficiency in languages like C/C++, Python, and GoLang. Additionally, knowledge of malware tradecraft, operating system internals, network protocols, and artificial intelligence applications in reverse engineering is essential. This position requires a strong analytical mindset, technical writing skills, and the ability to handle sensitive information while balancing shifting priorities.
Skills
IDA_Pro
Ghidra
Binary_Ninja
x32dbg
x64dbg
gdb
WinDbg
C
C++
Python
Go
Java
PE_file_format
ELF_file_format
Mach-O_file_format
Wireshark
netcat
Frida
QEMU
Unicorn_Engine
AI
ML
What you'll do
Reverse engineer malicious code to support high-impact customers and develop new analysis methods.
Document and transition reverse engineering results in reports, presentations, and technical exchanges.
Explore AI applications for reverse engineering and apply reverse engineering to AI systems.
Design, prototype, and deploy innovative analysis tools and techniques.
Identify and document emerging complex security threats and vulnerabilities.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field with 8 years of experience; Master’s degree with 5 years; PhD with 2 years.
Extensive reverse engineering experience for various architectures, including user and kernel levels.
Proficiency in static analysis tools (e.g., IDA Pro, Ghidra) and debuggers (e.g., x32dbg, gdb).
Strong technical writing skills and ability to handle sensitive information securely.
Expertise in malware tradecraft, threat actor TTPs, and artificial intelligence applications in reverse engineering.
Market check
Salary context
This listing doesn't show a salary. Similar roles on FindRole typically pay
$117,000–$198,000.
Peer median band
$117,000–$198,000
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$131,387–$183,050
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
About Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a leading private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, internationally recognized for programs in computer science, engineering, business, the arts, and artificial intelligence. Industry: Higher Education & Research
Carnegie Mellon University currently has
36 open roles
on FindRole.
Remote (Usa-Fulton, US)21 days ago
$146,700–$214,800
C
C++
Python
x86/x64
ARM
IDA Pro
Binary Ninja
Ghidra
Linux
Vulnerability research
Exploit development
Reverse engineering
Assembly language
Memory corruption
Web application exploitation
File format vulnerabilities
Network protocol structures
Enterprise networking architecture
Static analysis
Run-time analysis
Patch analysis