This role pays more than
81%
of similar roles. Most pay
$151,206–$213,250
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$218k
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
680 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 442 roles with salary data.
As a Sr. Security Software Engineer (Starshield), you will join the Starshield team to influence security across various product lines while building highly reliable in-space mesh networks and secure systems for government use. You will design and build security infrastructure, including cryptographic services, and develop security features for routers, dishes, gateways, and satellites. Your daily work involves maintaining production systems, improving security posture through direct implementation, and developing prototypes to test improvements. The role requires proficiency in Python, C++, or Golang, along with expertise in operating system security, network security, applied cryptography, and secure boot. You will navigate complex systems involving TCP/IP and UDP protocols while utilizing hardware like TPMs and HSMs. This position addresses the technical challenge of securing communication and sensing software for earth observation and hosted payloads within a specialized space infrastructure.
Design and build security infrastructure including cryptographic services and other security-critical systems.
Develop security features for Starshield hardware including routers, dishes, gateways, and satellites.
Integrate security into manufacturing processes and provide supporting network services.
Maintain production systems and improve overall security posture through direct implementation and recommendations.
Build prototypes to identify, design, and test potential security improvements.
Implement security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, and large-scale infrastructure.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline and 5+ years of professional experience in security software development; OR 7+ years of experience without a degree.
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 required 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).
Python
C++
Golang
Cryptography
Network Security
Operating System Security
Incident Response
Vulnerability Research
TCP/IP
UDP
Distributed Systems
Security Infrastructure
Python
C++
Golang
Cryptography
Network Security
Operating System Security
Incident Response
Vulnerability Research
TCP/IP
UDP
Distributed Systems
Security Infrastructure
Python
C++
Golang
Cryptography
Network Security
Operating System Security
Incident Response
Vulnerability Research
TCP/IP
UDP
Distributed Systems
Security Infrastructure