Reverse Engineer

Parra Consulting Group, Inc. is currently seeking a Reverse Engineer to provide support to the C5ISR Center at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD

This successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Conduct firmware analysis and modification to reverse engineer state-of-the-art commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic devices and support testing and training efforts.


• Perform analysis to include research, testing/debugging, performance validation, quality control, and deployment.


• Conduct firmware simulations using software analysis tools such as IDA Pro or MPLAB.


• Develop software in assembly language, C, and Python to support the reverse engineering process.  

• Prepare technical classification reports, briefings, and demonstrations derived from reverse engineering and software analysis results.


• Provide engineering support to the C5ISR Center Counter-UAS and Emerging Threat Solutions (CETS) Division, aiding in the development of key technologies and processes.


• Conduct basic research, testing, debugging, performance validation, quality control, and deployment related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) electronics.


• Conduct fundamental investigations, evaluations, applications, and design implementations of new technologies, with a focus on integrating them into UAS platforms.


• Apply RF test techniques, operate standard laboratory and RF test equipment, and characterize components and circuits relevant to UAS.


• Assist engineers in design investigations, product replication, and development processes, focusing on UAS applications.


• Aid in the development of test fixtures using the latest electronic and mechanical CAD software, 3D printing, and PCB fabrication, with a particular emphasis on UAS requirements.


• Gain immersion and growth opportunities in manufacturing processes and test methods, specifically related to UAS technologies.


• Lead and participate in system test and evaluation efforts to ensure the system meets required specific work with cutting-edge technologies including RF transmitters, RF receivers, GPS, RF amplifiers, and digital circuits specifically tailored for UAVs and land-based sensors.

Qualifications Required:

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.


• MA/MS and 5 years of experience or BA/BS in Computer Engineering, or a related field, and 7 years of experience.


• Experience with either IDA Pro or MPLAB, a significant understanding of reverse engineering tasks (static/dynamic analysis, machine code emulation, firmware review, and firmware modification), the ability to perform independent open-source research, and a comprehensive understanding of integrated circuit architectures.


• Significant understanding of Networking, Cybersecurity, Linux, Cryptography (public/private key pairs, symmetric, and asymmetric ciphers), and computer programming (C++/Python) and debugging.


• Experience with networking and communication protocols (TCP/IP, I2C, SPI, UART), Linux, ARM, and Android internal processing and kernels for both operating systems and applications.


• Understanding of RF communications with a focus on circuitry, benchtop experience with test equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, et al.), and performing standard RF measurements (e.g., operating frequency, occupied bandwidth, average power, pulse width, etc.).


• Experience soldering and re-working electronic circuit boards and components (e.g., through-hole, surface mount, cable assemblies, and wire harnesses), and the ability to read and understand electronic schematics and interpret printed circuit boards (PCBs) based on those schematics.


• Ability to provide detailed technical analysis, develop accurate reports, and clearly brief findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with microcontrollers and embedded systems firmware such as Arduino and writing custom programs to configure and control COTS and programmable devices.


• Experience in reverse engineering electronic circuit boards and components.


• Experience reading and interpreting electronic schematics and printed circuit boards (PCBs).


• Solid background in practical electronics and/or RF theory.