Sr. Security Software Engineer; Starshield

Sr. Security Software Engineer (Starshield)

Location:

Hawthorne, CA

Space

X was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. 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 is building highly reliable in‑space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next‑gen communication and sensing software, and more.

As a Sr. Security Software Engineer you will influence the security of software across our product lines. You will ship reliable software and apply a broad understanding of today’s Internet security, including cryptographic primitives. You see the big picture, prioritize accordingly, and are comfortable with working at different levels of abstraction. Preferable skills include:

• Software engineering
• Applied cryptography
• Network security
• Operating‑system security
• Secure/authenticated boot
• Incident response and adversary detection
• Vulnerability research

Being flexible, communicating clearly, and establishing productive relationships with other engineering teams are paramount to success. If you are passionate about building quality products, love the challenges of outsmarting adversaries, and want to make an impact on an inter‑planetary scale, then you will fit right in.

• 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 and 5+ years of professional experience in security software development; OR 7+ years of professional experience in security software development in lieu of a degree.
• Experience with one or more software development languages (i.e. 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 the TCP/IP stack and UDP‑based protocols.
• Experience navigating large, complex, interactive systems.
• Flexibility, clear communication, and productive relationships 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 to 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 after 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.

Pay Range:
Security Software Engineer /Senior: $ - $…