> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2198272-security-software-engineer-starshield](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2198272-security-software-engineer-starshield). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Security Software Engineer (Starshield) - **Company:** Space Exploration Technologies Corp. - **Location:** Washington, DC, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $130,000.0 - $160,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Cyber Security, Distributed Systems, Hardware Security Module, Python (Programming Language), Network Security, Network Service, Network Protocols, Security Software, Software Engineering, TCP/IP, Software Security, Build Management, Information Technology, Operating System Security, Vulnerability Analysis, Golang - **Published:** August 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18049573?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18049573%2FSecurity-Software-Engineer-Starshield-D-C-Washington ## About the Role As a Product Security 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., * Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline; OR 2+ 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 * Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, * 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. ## Description * Design and build security infrastructure for Starshield, including cryptographic services and other security-critical services * Develop security features for Starshield 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, * Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed * This 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. ## Related Videos - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [Go with the Flow: Stop the Leaks Before Your Memory's a Waterfall!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100073-go-with-the-flow-stop-the-leaks-before-your-memory-s-a-waterfall) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Cyber Security: Small, and Large!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/259-cyber-security-small-and-large) - [Scoring 2000 Products per Request: Performance Pitfalls in Golang](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2073-scoring-2000-products-per-request-performance-pitfalls-in-golang) ## Related Articles - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)