STR

Associate Software Engineer

Arlington, VA$92k–$128kentryAdded today

About this role

STR seeks an Associate Software Engineer to develop emulation and virtualization tools for analyzing cyber-physical systems in support of national security. You'll extend frameworks like QEMU, rehost firmware, build virtual device models, and create integrated system simulations while working with a small team of researchers and engineers.

What you'll do

Architect and develop modular software applications for emulating cyber-physical systems
Extend QEMU and similar emulation frameworks in C/C++ and Python to support new targets and peripherals
Analyze and rehost unknown firmware by identifying hardware dependencies and adapting code for emulated environments
Build virtual device models and tooling to support reverse engineering of embedded systems across ARM, PPC, and other architectures
Create networked digital models and end-to-end system simulations that approximate real hardware behavior
Validate model quality and correctness through unit and system-level testing

What they're looking for

C/C++ for systems-level and embedded software development
Python for tool development, automation, and integration
QEMU or similar emulation/virtualization frameworks
Computer architecture and emulation principles
Git and collaborative source code management
Software engineering best practices (modular design, testing, code review)
Binary analysis and reverse engineering tools (Ghidra, IDA Pro, or similar)
Firmware analysis and embedded systems knowledge

Benefits

Salary range: $92,000 - $128,000
Work on cutting-edge national security technologies
Collaborative learning environment focused on deep technical understanding
Multiple office locations (Boston MA, Arlington VA, Dayton OH, Melbourne FL, Carlsbad CA)
Opportunities for professional growth in advanced R&D
Mission-driven work with immediate impact on national security

Likely interview questions

Describe your experience with C/C++ and Python—which have you used more extensively, and in what types of projects?
Have you worked with QEMU or other emulation frameworks? If so, what did you extend or customize?

Walk us through how you would approach analyzing and rehosting an unfamiliar firmware binary into an emulated environment.
Tell us about a time you had to learn a new tool or technology quickly—how did you approach it?
What experience do you have with reverse engineering, and which tools have you used (Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja)?
How do you approach testing and validation when working with system-level simulations or models?
Can you describe your experience with computer architecture concepts and how they apply to emulation?

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