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SpaceX

Principal Security Software Engineer (Starlink)

redmond, WA

Check who can apply and the requirements below before continuing.

About this opportunity

SpaceX lists this Principal Security Software Engineer (Starlink) opportunity in redmond, Washington. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.

Job description

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.

PRINCIPAL SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

Skills

As a Security Software Engineer you will influence the security of software across our product lines. We are looking for people with a track record of shipping reliable software and who have a broad understanding of the security design of today’s Internet, including the cryptographic primitives involved. You see the big picture, prioritize accordingly, and are comfortable with working at different levels of abstraction. Ideally, you have notable skills in one or more of the following:

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 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 infrastructure for Starlink, including cryptographic services and other security‑critical services

Develop security features for Starlink 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 both direct implementation and recommendations to other teams

Build prototypes and help identify, design, and test security improvements

Further our mission of providing secure and reliable Internet to underserved communities

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline and 8+ years of professional experience in security software development; OR 10+ 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

Preferred Skills And Experience

Experience contributing security improvements to complex systems

Experience working with special purpose security hardware such as Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) and Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)

Fundamental understanding of network protocols; including the TCP/IP stack as well as UDP based protocols

Experienced in navigating large, complex, interactive systems

Flexibility, communicating clearly, and establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with other engineering teams

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Ability to work both 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

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Compensation And Benefits

Pay Range:

Level 3: $225,000.00 - $345,000.00

Your 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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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 AffiantAction Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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Worksite address

redmond, WA, 98052, US

Who can apply

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