Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Reverse Engineer to analyze, characterize, and exploit RF systems in support of critical defense and aerospace missions. You will dissect RF protocols, waveforms, and embedded firmware; develop tools and scripts for signal analysis; and collaborate with IT and cybersecurity experts to identify vulnerabilities and design resilient architectures. Join a mission-driven, collaborative, and intellectually curious team with strong support for research, innovation, and professional growth while tackling high-impact national security challenges.
Responsibilities
- Analyze, reverse engineer, and characterize RF systems, devices, and communication links used in defense and aerospace applications.
- Capture, process, and interpret RF signals using software-defined radio platforms and laboratory test equipment.
- Identify modulation schemes, protocols, and waveforms from raw RF data and incomplete system information.
- Perform hardware and firmware teardown and analysis of RF-enabled devices to understand architecture, functionality, and potential vulnerabilities.
- Develop scripts, tools, and workflows in languages such as Python, C/C++, or MATLAB to automate RF signal processing and analysis tasks.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity and IT teams to assess RF system vulnerabilities and translate findings into defensive strategies and system hardening recommendations.
- Document technical methods, findings, and results in clear, well-structured reports and presentations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Contribute to internal research and development initiatives exploring new RF analysis techniques, tools, and methodologies to address emerging threats and technologies.
- Support the preparation and execution of laboratory experiments and over-the-air tests to evaluate and validate RF system behavior.
- Work within security and compliance requirements, including handling sensitive or classified information in accordance with applicable regulations.
Required Skills
- RF system design and analysis
- Reverse engineering of RF hardware and firmware
- Software-defined radio (SDR) tools (e.g., GNU Radio, MATLAB/Simulink, USRP)
- Signal processing and modulation/demodulation techniques
- RF test equipment operation (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, oscilloscopes, signal generators)
- Embedded systems and firmware analysis
- Protocol analysis and RF waveform characterization
- Cybersecurity fundamentals related to wireless and RF systems
- Scripting and programming (Python, C/C++, MATLAB)
- Electromagnetics and antenna fundamentals
- Technical documentation and reporting
- Configuration management and version control (e.g., Git)
- Linux-based development and analysis environments
- Data analysis and visualization
- Collaboration in multidisciplinary R&D teams