Hardware Ethical Hacker

Packetlabs

Ethical Hacker - Hardware specializing in security assessments of embedded and IoT devices at Packetlabs. Leading hardware penetration testing engagements with high client impact.

Posted 7/18/2026full-timeRemote • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesJunior💰 $80,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in hardware penetration testing, firmware reverse engineering, and vulnerability analysis for embedded and IoT devices. Proficient in utilizing debugging interfaces and tools to assess security and provide actionable remediation strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Hardware Penetration TestingFirmware Reverse EngineeringDebug Interface Access (JTAG, SWD, UART)Scripting Proficiency in PythonElectronics Fundamentals

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Firmware ExtractionSide-Channel AnalysisFault InjectionEmbedded Architecture Familiarity (ARM/Cortex-M, MIPS, AVR, RISC-V)Soldering AbilityReading SchematicsTechnical Report WritingVulnerability AnalysisLogic Analyzer ProficiencyOscilloscope Proficiency

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationPresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

GhidraIDABinwalkLogic AnalyzerOscilloscopeMultimeterKiCadAltium

Certifications & Qualifications

OSCP

Industry Keywords

Embedded SystemsIoT SecuritySecure BootTEEsHSMsPublished 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, against a defined scope and rules of engagement
Identify, access, and exploit on-board debug interfaces: JTAG, SWD, UART, and similar, to gain code execution or memory access
Extract firmware via debug ports, in-circuit flash reads (SPI / I2C / NAND), or chip-off when required, and analyze it for vulnerabilities
Intercept and analyze data on common embedded buses (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, USB) using logic analyzers and protocol decoders
Where in scope, perform side-channel analysis and fault injection (power analysis, voltage/clock glitching) to bypass secure boot, readout protection, or authentication
Reverse engineer firmware and embedded binaries (Ghidra, IDA, Binwalk, etc.) to find logic flaws, hardcoded secrets, and exploitable conditions
Assess physical attack surface, tamper resistance, and key/secret storage
Write high-quality technical reports and present findings to client stakeholders, both technical and non-technical
Advise on practical, prioritized remediation that clients can act on
Build and maintain lab tooling, test rigs, and internal methodology
Help raise the standard of hardware security work across the firm

Requirements

What you’ll need

A 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 from them
Hands-on soldering ability, including surface-mount (SMD) rework and basic chip removal
Demonstrated experience accessing debug interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART) and extracting firmware from real devices
Comfort with core bench instruments: logic analyzer, oscilloscope, and multimeter
Firmware reverse-engineering skills and scripting proficiency in Python, plus enough C to read embedded code
Familiarity with common embedded architectures (ARM/Cortex-M, MIPS, AVR, RISC-V) and RTOS/bare-metal concepts
Clear written and verbal communication
Nice to have (one or more would be an asset): Side-channel / fault-injection experience (e.g., ChipWhisperer)
RF and wireless work: SDR, BLE, sub-GHz, Wi-Fi
Knowledge of secure boot chains, TEEs, secure elements, and HSMs
PCB design familiarity (KiCad / Altium) for understanding target boards
Published CVEs, conference talks, CTF placements, or open-source tooling
Relevant certifications (e.g., OSCP for breadth, or hardware-focused training)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate and ongoing offensive security training
Mentorship and professional development to advance your technical capabilities
Competitive compensation and growth opportunity
Flexible work environment that empowers employees to do their best work
Fully remote within Canada or Texas