Security Software Engineer

SpaceX

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Salary
$130,000–$155,000 / yr
Posted
108 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live 2 days ago

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $180k
This role $142k
$119k most similar roles pay here $230k

This role pays less than 80% of similar roles. Most pay $150,000–$209,500 — the shaded 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 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

Security Software Engineer - Top Secret Clearance works on the Special Programs team to support the software development lifecycle for both application and hardware systems within U.S. Government and ITAR-controlled environments. The role involves maintaining production systems, building security prototypes, implementing secure coding practices like SAST and DAST, and performing threat modeling. You will collaborate with engineering teams to ensure smooth hardware and software integration while managing sensitive technical data and ensuring compliance with export laws. Key technical skills include proficiency in Python, C++, or Rust, along with experience in operating system security, applied cryptography, network protocols, and version control tools like Git. The position focuses on securing complex systems and infrastructure for ITAR-controlled payloads, requiring a deep understanding of government standards to protect sensitive data and ensure robust security posture across the entire development lifecycle.

What you'll do

  • Maintain production systems and improve security posture through direct implementation and technical recommendations.
  • Build prototypes and identify, design, and test new security improvements for hardware and software.
  • Implement secure coding practices including SAST, DAST, and threat modeling throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Partner with engineering teams to define system requirements, integration strategies, and troubleshoot complex problems.
  • Ensure all software outputs comply with U.S. Government standards and ITAR regulations.
  • Manage access to sensitive technical data and ensure compliance for ITAR-controlled payloads.
  • Create detailed documentation including design specs, test plans, and verification reports for government contracts.

What we're looking for

  • Must possess an active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for Department of State authorizations.
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline, or 2+ years of professional experience in security software development.
  • Proficiency in at least one software development language such as Python, C++, or Rust.
  • Experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or large-scale infrastructure.
  • Deep knowledge and practical experience with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
  • Familiarity with network protocols including the TCP/IP stack and UDP based protocols.
  • TOP SECRET CLEARANCE.

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