Security Software Engineer (Starlink)
SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA
- On site
- Full-time
- $155,000 / year
- Hawthorne, CA
Job highlights
- Design and build Starlink's security infrastructure.
- Develop security features for routers, dishes, gateways, satellites.
- Improve security posture of existing production systems.
- Research and prototype security improvements.
- Ensure secure and reliable internet for underserved communities.
About the role
Security Software Engineer (Starlink)
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.
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; OR 2+ years of professional experience in security software development in lieu of a degree
- Experience with Python, C/C++ or Golang
- Experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or other business 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 1: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00
- Level 2: $150,000.00 - $180,000.00
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.
Key skills/competency
- Security Software Engineer
- Software Engineering
- Applied Cryptography
- Network Security
- Operating System Security
- Secure Boot
- Incident Response
- Vulnerability Research
- Python
- C/C++
Skills & topics
- Security Software Engineer
- Software Engineering
- Applied Cryptography
- Network Security
- Operating System Security
- Secure Boot
- Incident Response
- Vulnerability Research
- Python
- C/C++
- Golang
- Distributed Systems
- SpaceX
- Starlink
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in software security, applied cryptography, and relevant programming languages like Python, C/C++, or Golang.
- Showcase system design: Emphasize your experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems or distributed systems.
- Demonstrate problem-solving: Prepare to discuss how you've improved security posture in complex systems and dealt with ambiguity.
- Understand SpaceX mission: Align your application with SpaceX's goal of enabling human life on Mars and providing global internet access.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready for in-depth questions on security principles, cryptography, and system vulnerabilities.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the basic qualifications for the Security Software Engineer role at SpaceX?
- The basic qualifications for the Security Software Engineer position at SpaceX include a Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline, or at least 2 years of professional experience in security software development. You should also have experience with Python, C/C++, or Golang, and a background in designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or other business infrastructure.
- What is the pay range for a Security Software Engineer at SpaceX?
- SpaceX offers two pay ranges for the Security Software Engineer position. Level 1 ranges from $130,000.00 to $155,000.00, and Level 2 ranges from $150,000.00 to $180,000.00. The final salary will depend on factors such as your experience, education, and specific skills.
- Does SpaceX offer benefits for the Security Software Engineer position?
- Yes, SpaceX provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, and various other perks. Employees also accrue paid vacation and holidays.
- What kind of security experience is most valuable for the Security Software Engineer role at SpaceX?
- For the Security Software Engineer role, SpaceX values experience in software engineering, applied cryptography, network security, operating system security, secure/authenticated boot, incident response, adversary detection, and vulnerability research. Experience with special purpose security hardware like TPMs and HSMs is also highly beneficial.
- What is the work arrangement for the Security Software Engineer position at SpaceX?
- While not explicitly stated as remote or hybrid, the job description implies a need for flexibility and working with other engineering teams, suggesting an on-site or hybrid arrangement. The additional requirement to 'work extended hours and weekends as needed' also points towards a need for physical presence or dedicated availability. SpaceX's primary location is in Hawthorne, California.
- How does SpaceX's mission relate to the Security Software Engineer role?
- The Security Software Engineer role directly contributes to SpaceX's mission by ensuring the security and reliability of the Starlink internet system. This mission, which includes enabling human life on Mars and providing global internet access, requires robust security to protect critical infrastructure and user data.
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