Security Software Engineer Starlink
SpaceX
Job Overview
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Job Description
Security Software Engineer Starlink at SpaceX
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.
As a Security Software Engineer Starlink, you will contribute to Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system, leveraging SpaceX's expertise in rockets and spacecraft. Starlink, the largest satellite constellation globally, currently provides fast, reliable internet to over 9 million users. We handle the entire system lifecycle, from designing and building thousands of satellites and user-friendly consumer receivers to developing the software that integrates everything. We are seeking top-tier engineers to help us expand Starlink's significant global impact for communities and businesses worldwide.
Skills
As a Security Software Engineer Starlink, you will play a crucial role in influencing software security across our product lines. We are looking for individuals with a proven history of shipping reliable software and a comprehensive understanding of contemporary Internet security design, including the cryptographic primitives involved. You should possess the ability to grasp the broader picture, prioritize effectively, and comfortable operating at various levels of abstraction. Ideally, you will have notable skills in one or more of the following areas:
- 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, thrive on the challenges of outsmarting adversaries, and aspire to make an impact on an inter-planetary scale, you will be an excellent fit.
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 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
Pay Range
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Security Software Engineer /Level I: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
Security Software Engineer /Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for round trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
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
- Software Engineering
- Applied Cryptography
- Network Security
- Operating System Security
- Incident Response
- Vulnerability Research
- Distributed Systems
- Python
- C++
- Golang
How to Get Hired at SpaceX
- Research SpaceX's culture: Study their mission, values, recent news, and employee testimonials on LinkedIn and Glassdoor, focusing on their drive for inter-planetary impact and Starlink's global reach.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight security software development, applied cryptography, network security, and distributed systems experience relevant to SpaceX's innovative projects.
- Showcase technical prowess: Emphasize proficiency in Python, C++, Golang, and experience with specialized security hardware like TPMs and HSMs.
- Prepare for rigorous interviews: Expect deep technical questions, complex problem-solving scenarios, and discussions about securing large-scale, critical infrastructure like Starlink.
- Demonstrate passion: Express genuine enthusiasm for SpaceX's mission, Starlink's potential, and the challenge of securing cutting-edge space technology.
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