SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

Principal Security Software Engineer (Starlink)

Austin, TXFull TimePrincipalPosted 2 months ago

Is this role right for you?

Upload your resume and get a skill-by-skill breakdown — see exactly where you match, where you're close, and what to highlight. Not a mystery percentage.

Get a tailored resume highlighting what this role needs.

Required skills

security software development
Python
C++
Golang
operating systems
distributed systems
enterprise infrastructure
large-scale infrastructure
security hardware
network protocols

Nice to have

security improvements
complex systems
security design
cryptographic services
security features
factory processes

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking a Principal Security Software Engineer for its Starlink project, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. This role involves influencing the security of software across product lines, designing and building security infrastructure, and developing security features for satellites, routers, and gateways. The ideal candidate has a strong track record in shipping reliable software, a broad understanding of internet security and cryptography, and skills in areas like applied cryptography, network security, OS security, secure boot, incident response, adversary detection, and vulnerability research. A Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 8+ years of security software development experience, or 10+ years of experience in lieu of a degree, is required. Experience with languages like Python, C++, or Golang, and designing security solutions for large-scale infrastructure is also necessary. Preferred skills include experience with special purpose security hardware like TPMs and HSMs, and a fundamental understanding of network protocols.

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.

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

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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

Sample SpaceX interview questions

1
Build a distributed platform for storing and serving digital assets.
system designmedium
2
Design a system for real-time processing of IoT device data.
system designmedium
3
Design a distributed message queue like Kafka.
system designmedium
4
Develop a web app that shortens URLs like TinyURL.
system designmedium
5
Propose a high-level design for a tracing system that can handle millions of spans per second across thousands of services.
system designmedium

Get started to unlock a personalized interview prep pack for this role.

Ready to apply?

You'll be redirected to SpaceX's application page.