Security Software Engineer

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday Trusted

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: $130,000–$160,000 / yr
Posted: 21 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $183k

This role $145k

$119k most similar roles pay here $236k

This role pays less than 77% of similar roles. Most pay $150,300–$215,784 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $145k versus about $183k 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 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · Security Software Engineer

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Security Software Engineer (Starshield) As part of the Starshield team, you will influence the security of software across product lines designed for government use, including earth observation and communications. You will design and build security infrastructure such as cryptographic services, develop security features for routers, dishes, gateways, and satellites, and maintain existing production systems to improve overall security posture. The role involves building prototypes and identifying improvements for in-space mesh networks. Key technical requirements include proficiency in Python, C++, or Golang, along with experience in operating system security, network security, and distributed systems. You will work with hardware like TPMs and HSMs while navigating complex systems involving the TCP/IP stack. The role addresses critical challenges in securing space-based communication and sensing software to ensure reliable access to space for national security applications.

Skills

Python C++ Golang Cryptography Network Security Operating System Security Incident Response Vulnerability Research TCP/IP UDP Distributed Systems Security Infrastructure

What you'll do

Design and build security infrastructure including cryptographic services and other security-critical systems.
Develop security features for hardware components such as routers, dishes, gateways, and satellites.
Integrate security into manufacturing processes and provide supporting network services.
Maintain existing production systems to improve overall security posture through direct implementation.
Build prototypes to identify, design, and test potential security improvements.
Provide technical recommendations to other engineering teams to enhance system security.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline, or 2+ years of professional experience in security software development.
Experience with one or more software development languages such as Python, C++, or Golang.
Experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or large-scale infrastructure.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for export control authorizations.
Advanced degree in a technical or engineering discipline (preferred).
Experience with special purpose security hardware such as TPMs and HSMs (preferred).
Fundamental understanding of network protocols including the TCP/IP stack and UDP based protocols (preferred).