Security Software Engineer; Starshield

SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages Space

X's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The Starshield team builds highly reliable in‑space mesh networks, designs secure systems to guarantee access to space, and develops next‑generation communication and sensing software.

• Design and build security infrastructure for Starshield, including cryptographic services and other security‑critical services
• Develop security features for Starshield systems, including our router, dish, gateways, and satellites
• Design security into factory processes and provide network services in support of this
• Maintain existing production systems and improve security posture via direct implementation and recommendations to other teams
• Build prototypes and help identify, design, and test security improvements

• 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 (e.g., Python, C++, Golang)
• Experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or other enterprise/large‑scale infrastructure

• Experience contributing security improvements to complex systems
• Experience working with special‑purpose security hardware such as TPMs and HSMs
• Fundamental understanding of network protocols, including TCP/IP and UDP‑based protocols
• Experience navigating large, complex interactive systems
• Flexibility, communication, and productive collaboration with other engineering teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and learn new technologies quickly
• Advanced degree in a technical or engineering discipline
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, Space
  
  X reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.

Learn more about the ITAR here.

• Security Software Engineer / Level I: $130,000 – $150,000 per year
• Security Software Engineer / Level II: $145,000 – $175,000 per year

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, company stock, stock options, long‑term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.

Employees accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and are eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Sick leave accrual, carryover, and use comply with or exceed all applicable laws.

Space

X is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Space

X is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of Space

X's affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or requiring reasonable accommodations to the application/interview process, should reach out to the following contact(s).