Penetration Tester – Hardware

Packetlabs

. Plan and execute end-to-end hardware penetration tests on embedded and IoT devices .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $80,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in hardware penetration testing, firmware reverse engineering, and embedded systems analysis, with strong skills in JTAG, SWD, and UART interfaces. Proficient in technical communication and advising clients on remediation strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Hardware Penetration TestingFirmware Reverse EngineeringJTAG, SWD, UART Debug InterfacesScripting Proficiency in PythonElectronics Fundamentals

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Firmware ExtractionSide-Channel AnalysisFault InjectionSoldering AbilityReading SchematicsEmbedded Binaries AnalysisLogic AnalyzersOscilloscopesMultimetersEmbedded Architectures

Soft Skills

Clear Written CommunicationVerbal Communication

Tools & Technologies

GhidraIDABinwalkTest RigsLab Tooling

Industry Keywords

Embedded SystemsIoT DevicesRisk AssessmentTamper ResistanceSecure Boot ChainsRTOSBare-Metal ConceptsPublished CVEsCTF PlacementsOpen-Source Tooling

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

FlashIoTPythonRTOS

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Plan and execute end-to-end hardware penetration tests on embedded and IoT devices
Identify, access, and exploit JTAG, SWD, UART, and similar on-board debug interfaces
Extract and analyze firmware using debug ports, in-circuit flash reads, or chip-off techniques
Intercept and analyze SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, and USB embedded buses
Perform side-channel analysis and fault injection when in scope
Reverse engineer firmware and embedded binaries using tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binwalk
Assess physical attack surfaces, tamper resistance, and key/secret storage
Distinguish theoretical from operationally relevant risk
Write technical reports and present findings to technical and non-technical client stakeholders
Advise clients on practical, prioritized remediation
Build and maintain lab tooling, test rigs, and internal methodology
Contribute to research, responsible disclosure, and internal knowledge-sharing
Stay current on hardware attack techniques, embedded architectures, and defensive controls

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be located in Texas or Florida
Graduate of an Information Security, Computer Science, or Computer/Electrical Engineering degree program, or equivalent hands-on experience
Strong electronics fundamentals; able to read schematics and datasheets and reason about a board
Hands-on soldering ability, including surface-mount (SMD) rework and basic chip removal
Demonstrated experience accessing JTAG, SWD, and UART debug interfaces and extracting firmware from real devices
Comfort with logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and multimeters
Firmware reverse-engineering skills
Scripting proficiency in Python and enough C to read embedded code
Familiarity with ARM/Cortex-M, MIPS, AVR, and RISC-V architectures and RTOS/bare-metal concepts
Clear written and verbal communication
Nice to have: side-channel/fault-injection experience, RF and wireless work, secure boot chains, TEEs, secure elements, HSMs, PCB design familiarity, published CVEs, conference talks, CTF placements, open-source tooling, and relevant certifications

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate and ongoing offensive security training, mentorship, and professional development
Competitive compensation and growth opportunity
Paid education and professional development reimbursement
Flexible work environment
Paid volunteer day each year
Paid Birthday day off
Paid U.S. public holidays
Fully remote within Texas or Florida