AI Security Software Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX 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 SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.AI SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)Starshield leverages SpaceX’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 an AI Security Software Engineer, you will leverage AI to automate security-related efforts and ensure safe AI integration into new and existing systems. If you are passionate about AI, security, and pushing the limits of combining both together, this role is for you.Ideally, you have notable skills in the following:Software engineeringAgent engineering and securityLLM attack surfacesNetwork and operating system securityIncident response and adversary detectionBeing flexible, communicating clearly, and establishing and maintaining productive working 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.RESPONSIBILITIES: Design and build security-critical agents for Starshield that automate network and systems defenseLeverage AI to discover and fix security issues in Starshield infrastructure and systemsProvide guidance and perform testing of AI integrations into new and existing Starshield systemsIdentify new areas of the program where meaningful security improvements can be gained via automation and AIMaintain existing production systems and improve security posture via both direct implementation and recommendations to other teamsBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in security software development in lieu of a degreeExperience 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 infrastructureExperience designing and implementing solutions with LLMs, LLM-based agents, or adjacent AI topicsPREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity, learn quickly, problem solve, and take ownership of the end resultUnderstanding of core security engineering topics: cryptography, authentication, network security, operating system securityExperience designing, prompting, and securing agents that can perform long-running autonomous tasksExperience red-teaming/penetration-testing LLMs, including prompt injection, jailbreaking, and data exfiltrationExperience deploying and managing LLMs, including infrastructure and maintenance to ensure reliable, scalable operationExperience contributing security improvements to complex systemsFlexibility, communicating clearly, and establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with other engineering teamsExcellent communication skills, both written and verbalAbility to work both independently and in a teamAdvanced degree in a technical or engineering disciplineActive Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearanceADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as neededThis 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, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay Range:Level 1: $130,000.00 - $160,000.00Level 2: $150,000.00 - $195,000.00Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.ITAR REQUIREMENTS:To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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 SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io.