Sr. Embedded Security 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 provides fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers, and the software that brings it all together.

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 and 5+ years of professional experience in security software development; OR 7+ years of professional experience in security software development in lieu of a degree
• Experience with one or more software development languages (e.g., 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 and UDP‑based protocols
• Experienced in navigating large, complex, interactive systems
• Flexibility, clear communication, and ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with other engineering teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and 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 3: $170,000.00 – $270,000.00. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

• Eligibility for long‑term incentives (company stock or long‑term cash awards)
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discounted stock purchases
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Various discounts and perks
• Three weeks of paid vacation
• Ten or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick time (Washington State compliance)
• Company shuttles for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office, Monday‑Friday

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, an asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.