below marketmost similar roles pay hereabove market
This role pays more than
96%
of similar roles. Most pay
$149,300–$215,000
— the blue band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$282k
versus about
$182k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
851 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 590 roles with salary data.
The Principal Cybersecurity Engineer (Starshield) will lead a team of engineers responsible for developing and testing the cyber defenses of the Starshield network. This role involves implementing a comprehensive cyber defense strategy, conducting red-team exercises, and leading vulnerability discovery efforts across the system. The engineer will utilize AI and other tools to accelerate bug fixing while collaborating with teams to improve incident discovery and response capabilities. Key requirements include expertise in computer networks, large-scale distributed compute platforms, and vulnerability triage. Candidates must possess experience in adversary detection, continuity of operations planning, and leading technical projects. The work focuses on securing a large US government satellite constellation that provides critical intelligence and national security data through in-space sensors, ground receivers, and a global mesh network.
Lead a team of cybersecurity engineers focused on immediate response to active threats.
Implement the cyber defense strategy by developing specific countermeasures against the threat landscape.
Conduct regular red-team exercises to discover vulnerabilities and practice attack response tactics.
Lead internal bug hunts to discover and fix vulnerabilities using the latest tools and AI.
Drive improvements in incident discovery and response systems to detect network intrusions.
Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate security features into the Starshield systems.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer security, or a similar field.
7+ years of professional experience in cybersecurity for active production systems, or 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity for active production systems.
Experience leading a team of direct reports.
Experience in implementing systems for adversary detection and incident response.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible for Department of State authorization.
Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Advanced degree in a technical or engineering discipline (preferred).
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance (preferred).
Python
C++
Golang
Applied Cryptography
Network Security
Operating System Security
Incident Response
Vulnerability Research
TCP/IP
UDP
Distributed Systems
Security Infrastructure