Principal Security Software Engineer (Starshield)

Principal Security Software Engineer (Starshield)

Washington, DC

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make space exploration possible. Starshield leverages the company’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts, focusing on government‑grade earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The team builds highly reliable in‑space mesh networks and designs secure systems that guarantee access to space and advanced communication and sensing software.

As a Principal Security Software Engineer you will influence the security of software across our product lines. You bring a track record of shipping reliable software, a broad understanding of internet security, and the ability to design and implement secure systems at all levels of abstraction.

Technical Skills

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

Responsibilities

• Design and build security infrastructure for Starshield, including cryptographic services and other security‑critical services.
• Develop security features for Starshield systems, including routers, dishes, gateways, and satellites.
• Design security into factory processes and provide network services that support these processes.
• Maintain existing production systems and improve security posture through implementation and recommendations to other teams.
• Build prototypes and help identify, design, and test security improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or another STEM discipline plus 8+ years of professional experience in security software development, or 10+ years of experience in lieu of 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 other large‑scale infrastructure.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and quickly learn new technologies.
• Advanced degree in a technical or engineering discipline.
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance.

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• The position requires obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance. Timely clearance is essential; failure to obtain clearance may result in modification or termination of employment.
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or otherwise eligible for the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: $220,500 – $300,000 per year (Security Software Engineer / Principal).

A level‑differential of up to $15,000 is available for those with an active clearance.

Benefits include long‑term incentives, company stock or options, discretionary bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and additional discounts and perks. Eligible employees accrue three weeks of paid vacation and over ten paid holidays per year, with sick leave accrual meeting or exceeding legal requirements.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed by merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other protected status.