Security Software Engineer

SpaceX

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Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: $130,000–$160,000 / yr
Posted: 4 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live today
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $184k

This role $145k

$119k most similar roles pay here $236k

This role pays less than 80% of similar roles. Most pay $151,500–$216,300 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $145k versus about $184k 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 691 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 452 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Security Software Engineer

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Security Software Engineer (Starshield) joins the Starshield team to influence the security of software across various product lines. This role involves designing and building security infrastructure, including cryptographic services and other critical systems for routers, dishes, gateways, and satellites. The engineer will develop security features, maintain production systems, build prototypes, and identify improvements for in-space mesh networks and secure communication systems. Key technical requirements include proficiency in Python, C++, or Golang, along with experience in operating system security, network security, applied cryptography, and secure boot. Candidates should possess a deep understanding of the TCP/IP stack and hardware like TPMs and HSMs. The role addresses critical national security needs by securing earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads within a complex space infrastructure environment while requiring an ability to navigate large, interactive systems and collaborate across engineering teams.

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 working 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).