below marketmost similar roles pay hereabove market
This role pays less than
76%
of similar roles. Most pay
$144,750–$215,000
— the blue band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$142k
versus about
$180k
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.
Security Software Engineer - Top Secret Clearance
As a Security Software Engineer for the Special Programs team, you will contribute to the software development lifecycle for application and hardware systems within U.S. Government and ITAR-controlled environments. You will maintain production systems, build security prototypes, and implement secure coding practices like SAST, DAST, and threat modeling. The role involves troubleshooting hardware-software integration issues and ensuring all outputs meet strict government standards and ITAR regulations. You will utilize languages such as Python, C++, and Rust, while applying skills in application security, cryptography, network security, and vulnerability research. You must navigate complex systems using Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing tools to protect sensitive technical data and payloads while ensuring compliance with international export laws and federal procurement processes.
Maintain production systems and improve security posture through direct implementation and team recommendations.
Build prototypes and identify, design, and test security improvements for hardware and software systems.
Implement and enforce secure coding practices, including SAST, DAST, and threat modeling, throughout the development lifecycle.
Partner with engineering teams to define software requirements, system designs, and integration strategies.
Review and guide software development for ITAR-controlled payloads to ensure compliance with export laws.
Manage ITAR systems by controlling access to sensitive technical data and following all regulatory rules.
Create and update detailed software documentation, including design specs and test plans for government contracts.
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 in lieu of a degree.
Experience with one or more software development languages such as Python, C++, or Rust.
Experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or other enterprise/large-scale infrastructure.
Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee eligible for Department of State authorization.
Experience with software version control, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing tools (preferred).
Deep knowledge and practical experience with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (preferred).
Experience with U.S. Government contracts, including knowledge of government standards and procurement processes (preferred).
Python
C++
Java
JavaScript
React
Redux
Lit
CI/CD
Docker
Kubernetes
Ansible
Jenkins
Bamboo
MySQL
Oracle
Grafana
Elasticsearch
Linux
Unix
Unit Testing
Full-Stack Development
C++
C
Firmware
Microcontrollers
Linux
Bash Shell Scripting
Computer Architecture
Networks
Verification Methodologies
NXP Microcontrollers
Avionics Systems