RF Systems Reverse Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Are you an RF communications engineer who loves to discover how wireless systems work and would like to try to break them

Are you motivated by collaborating with world-class experts to solve challenging wireless exploitation problems

Are you passionate about defending the nation against emerging technological threats

Do you love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We seek a hardworking engineer with RF domain expertise and a desire to learn on the job how to reverse engineer! We strive to foster an innovative and collaborative team environment where engineers can analyze the latest technologies to find vulnerabilities. Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, protocol analysis, vulnerability research, and developing cyber capabilities with a focus on embedded systems. We have custom facilities specifically tailored to analyzing complex RF and communications systems as well as general reverse engineering labs where you can help bridge these two specializations.

As an RF Systems Reverse Engineer you will...

• Share RF domain expertise while learning from expert hardware and software reverse engineers
• Reverse engineer communication systems and develop innovative mitigations
• Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
• Explore techniques for collecting, identifying, and manipulating standard and non-standard communications
• Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a field relevant to the duties as described above
• Have at least 5 years of experience relevant to the duties outlined above with deep understanding RF and wireless communications protocols across the OSI stack
• Have knowledge in the design and analysis of wireless communications systems or signal processing possessing the following skills: antenna design, link budgets, modulation schemes, signal detection, error correction codes, multiplexing and interleaving
• Are familiar with cybersecurity challenges with wireless communications to include: Wi-Fi, SATCOM, DMR, and telecommunications
• Are proficient in low-level embedded system programming such as C and assembly
• Understand software defined radio (SDR) frameworks and concepts
• Proficient with RF lab equipment such as: spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, power meters, noise generators, arbitrary waveform generators, and oscilloscopes
• Can obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
• Have knowledge of identifying, analyzing, and manipulating unknown waveforms, bit streams, and protocols
• Have any prior experience doing hardware or software reverse engineering
• Understand real time operating systems (RTOS) concepts and embedded systems development toolchains
• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph

Why work at APL

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.