SpaceX Verified

Aerospace, Space Exploration, Telecommunications, Manufacturing

New Graduate Engineer, Software Security - '26/'27 (Starlink)

Palo Alto, CAFull TimeJunior / Entry-level$140,000–$175,000 /yrPosted 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

Starlink
software security
security critical infrastructure
security features
router
dish
gateways
satellites
factory processes
network services

Nice to have

secure systems design
complex systems
special purpose security hardware
Trusted Platform Modules
Hardware Security Modules
large, complex, interactive systems

Role summary

SpaceX is seeking New Graduate Software Security Engineers for its Starlink program, focusing on building secure, defensible systems for the world's largest satellite constellation. Responsibilities include designing and implementing security features for satellites, ground infrastructure, and user devices, as well as improving the security posture of existing systems. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline, experience with software development languages like Python, C++, or Golang, and experience designing security solutions for operating systems or distributed systems. Candidates graduating in 2026 or 2027 are eligible. Preferred skills include secure systems design, working with security hardware like TPMs and HSMs, and strong communication abilities.

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.

NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, SOFTWARE SECURITY - '26/'27 (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 serves millions of users worldwide. We design, build, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites and all of the space-ground infrastructure necessary for a constellation of that size.As we scale the constellation to hundreds of thousands of satellites, and become a foundation of global connectivity both on earth (and in space), we are looking for excellent engineers to help us build secure, defensible systems from the ground up.As a Security Software Engineer you will influence the security of software across our space and terrestrial systems. 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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design and build security critical infrastructure for Starlink

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

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

Graduating in the class of 2026 or 2027

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Designing secure systems

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)

Experienced in navigating large, complex, interactive systems

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

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 1: $140,000.00 - $175,000.00Level 2: $160,000.00 - $210,000.00
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 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 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.