Associate Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

STR is hiring an Associate Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join its multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting-edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on national security. In this role, you will work at the intersection of computer systems and real-world physical systems, building tools and models that emulate complex cyber-physical platforms to enable analysis, reverse engineering, and experimentation. Experience with every listed technology is not required. Strong fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to learn new tools and domains are highly valued. ## What you will do - Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software applications and tools for emulating cyber-physical systems. - Extend and customize existing emulation frameworks (e.g., QEMU) in C/C++ and Python to support new targets, peripherals, and capabilities. - Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware dependencies, and adapting these to run correctly in emulated environments. - Develop emulator tooling and virtual device models to support reverse engineering and analysis of embedded systems across diverse architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC). - Develop digital models using virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU) and network them together to create integrated, end-to-end system simulations that closely approximate real hardware behavior. - Ensure model quality and correctness through unit-level and system-level testing, and by validating behavior against first principles, measured data, documentation, and hardware/software artifacts. - Communicate technical foundations of models and algorithms through reports and briefings. ## Who you are - This position requires an Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for Top Secret (TS) clearance; U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government. - BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. - Strong foundation in C/C++ for systems-level or embedded software development. - Knowledge of Python for tool development, automation, and integration. - Familiarity with emulation and virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU or similar frameworks). - Strong understanding of computer architecture, emulation principles, and software engineering best practices (e.g., modular design, testing, code review). - Experience using collaborative source code management (e.g., Git). ## Nice to have - Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance. - Familiarity with network architecture and protocols, and experience integrating networked simulations. - Experience with low-level software modifications (e.g., implants, firmware changes, binary patch development). - Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real-time/embedded operating systems. - Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems, including analysis of instruction set architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC) and use of tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja. - Experience implementing component models (e.g., sensors, actuators, dynamics, environmental factors) in Python and/or C/C++, and integrating them into system-level simulations and software processing chains. - Experience working with hardware components and interfaces. - Master's or PhD in a related field. ## Pay information Full-time salary range: $91,000–$125,000. Offers are based on factors including experience, education, training, key skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions. ## About STR STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA; Arlington, VA; near Dayton, OH; Melbourne, FL; Carlsbad, CA; Atlanta, GA; and Denver, CO. It specializes in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in cyber; next-generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics. STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Its work is challenging, and employees go home knowing they pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer. STR is an equal opportunity employer. It is dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodation requests may be sent to [email protected]. Positions require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.