SpaceX

Principal Security Software Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX · Palo Alto, CA

Posted 14 days ago · $235,000.00 - $355,000.00

or apply directly on SpaceX's site. We never take the application ourselves.

Is this posting real?

This role has been open
14 days
SpaceX's roles stay open a median of 45 days
Reposted
No
Salary listed
Yes
52% of SpaceX's roles list one
Ghost-job risk at SpaceX
high
1459 stale, 43 reposted of 2,362 open
Hiring momentum
3062 roles opened in the last 90 days
↑ up vs. the prior 90 days
Last confirmed on the employer's board
2026-09-17

Measured from postings appearing on and disappearing from SpaceX's own greenhouse board since 2026-08-03. Full hiring picture for SpaceX.

About this role

As a Principal Security Software Engineer at SpaceX, you will design and build security infrastructure for the Starlink system, focusing on cryptographic services and security features for various components like routers and satellites. You will also maintain existing systems, improve security postures, and collaborate with other engineering teams to enhance security measures. This role requires a strong understanding of security design and the ability to communicate effectively across teams.

Our read on this posting4.8out of 5
benefits
5/5
freshness
4/5
career value
5/5
role clarity
5/5
pay transparency
5/5

Scored from the posting itself — how clearly the role is described, how much it says about pay and benefits, and how recently it was listed. Not a judgement of SpaceX as an employer.

What you need

  • 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

Nice to have

  • 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
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

What you get

  • Pay Range: Level 3: $235,000.00 - $355,000.00
  • Eligibility for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
  • Potential discretionary bonuses
  • Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • Access to a 401(k) retirement plan

Worth weighing

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • No specific mention of remote work options or flexibility in work location

Summarised from SpaceX's posting. Read the full original.

Listed by SpaceX on their greenhouse job board, last confirmed open on 2026-09-17. PitchMeAI is not the employer.

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