Vulnerability/Malware Researcher (Reverse Engineer)

Omniscius ConsultingArlington, VirginiaOn-siteFull-timeMid level, 2–5 yearsListed 1 hour ago

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About this role

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We are seeking a highly skilled Vulnerability/Malware Researcher (Reverse Engineer) to identify, analyze, and understand complex software vulnerabilities and malicious code that may impact organizational systems, products, and infrastructure. This role will conduct in-depth malware analysis, reverse engineer software and firmware, uncover exploitable weaknesses, and provide actionable intelligence to support detection, response, and remediation efforts.

The ideal candidate possesses strong low-level programming knowledge, reverse engineering expertise, and experience analyzing sophisticated malware, exploit techniques, and advanced adversary tradecraft.

Key Responsibilities

Malware Analysis & Reverse Engineering

- Perform static and dynamic analysis of malicious software, including ransomware, trojans, rootkits, spyware, and advanced persistent threat (APT) malware.
- Reverse engineer malware samples to identify functionality, persistence mechanisms, command-and-control (C2) communications, and attacker objectives.
- Develop detailed malware analysis reports and technical documentation.
- Research evolving malware techniques and adversary capabilities.

Vulnerability Research

- Identify and analyze software, operating system, firmware, and application vulnerabilities.
- Perform code analysis to discover security weaknesses and exploit paths.
- Research emerging vulnerabilities and assess organizational exposure.
- Validate security findings through proof-of-concept testing and exploit analysis.
- Collaborate with remediation teams to prioritize and mitigate identified risks.

Security Research & Threat Analysis

- Investigate adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
- Analyze exploit kits, attack frameworks, and intrusion methods used by threat actors.
- Support intelligence-driven security initiatives through technical research and threat assessments.
- Correlate research findings with threat intelligence and incident response investigations.

Detection Development

- Create and maintain Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), YARA rules, Sigma rules, and detection signatures.
- Develop behavioral detections and analytic content for Security Operations Center (SOC) use.
- Assist threat hunting teams by providing technical indicators and adversary insights.
- Enhance detection coverage based on research findings and threat trends.

Research Tool Development

- Develop custom scripts, automation tools, and utilities to support malware analysis and vulnerability research.
- Improve reverse engineering workflows through automation and tooling enhancements.
- Maintain secure malware analysis laboratories and research environments.
- Evaluate emerging security research technologies and platforms.

Collaboration & Reporting

- Partner with Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, SOC, Product Security, and Engineering teams.
- Present technical findings to security leadership and engineering stakeholders.
- Produce technical reports, white papers, and research briefings.
- Contribute to internal knowledge bases and security best practices.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
- 3-8 years of experience in malware analysis, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or offensive security.
- Strong understanding of operating system internals, including Windows and Linux.
- Experience reverse engineering compiled software using industry-standard tools.
- Knowledge of assembly language (x86, x64, ARM) and executable file formats.
- Proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, C, C++, Rust, or Go.
- Experience analyzing malware behavior through static and dynamic analysis techniques.
- Understanding of software exploitation concepts, memory corruption vulnerabilities, and attack methodologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience researching zero-day vulnerabilities or advanced exploitation techniques.
- Knowledge of cloud platforms including Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
- Experience with mobile application, embedded system, or firmware analysis.
- Familiarity with nation-state threat actor methodologies and advanced cyber campaigns.
- Experience supporting government, defense, intelligence community, or critical infrastructure environments.
- Understanding of exploit development methodologies.