Sr. Network Security Engineer

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, with a focus on exploring the stars and advancing space travel.

About the role

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Network Security Engineer with deep expertise in network security technologies, particularly remote access VPN solutions like Tailscale and WireGuard. This role focuses on designing, deploying, managing, securing, and troubleshooting enterprise remote VPN infrastructure. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate flexibility, and excel at multi-tasking.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise on network security, firewalls, zero-trust architectures, and industry best practices, with a primary focus on modern remote access VPN technologies.
• Architect, design, deploy, and secure enterprise remote access VPN solutions end-to-end, including supporting components such as routers, exit nodes, and connectors, with a strong emphasis on Tailscale, WireGuard, IPsec, and SSL-based implementations.
• Own the full lifecycle of remote access infrastructure from initial design and ground-up implementation through ongoing management, policy definition, client distribution, and performance optimization.
• Configure, deploy, and support VPN clients across multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) while performing advanced troubleshooting of complex connectivity and performance issues.
• Manage Linux-based infrastructure and network security systems with end-to-end ownership of configuration, custom tooling, and operational reliability.
• Develop automation and CI/CD workflows (Python or similar) to streamline deployment, policy enforcement, monitoring, and maintenance of remote access and security systems.
• Implement and support zero-trust remote access architectures; manage firewall policies and network security appliances with tight integration of VPN solutions.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex network security and remote connectivity challenges; collaborate cross-functionally with engineering and operations teams to gather requirements, design secure solutions, and communicate best practices.
• Monitor VPN performance, logs, and overall security posture; proactively identify issues, drive resolutions, and formalize processes and change management for remote access infrastructure.
• Apply system patches, perform periodic maintenance, and continuously improve the reliability and security of the remote access environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 5+ years of network security experience; OR 8+ years of network security experience in lieu of a degree.
• 3+ years of experience securing networks, IT infrastructure, applications, endpoints, and/or APIs.
• This role requires you to be onsite. Hybrid or remote work will not be considered.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• 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.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Proven experience leading the design, deployment, and operation of enterprise remote access VPN solutions (Tailscale, WireGuard, or comparable SSL/IPsec/WireGuard-based platforms) in large-scale, multi-site or multi-region environments with high reliability requirements.
• Deep hands-on expertise with modern remote access platforms, including client management, access policies, split-tunneling, performance tuning, and complex troubleshooting across diverse operating systems.
• Strong systems engineering foundation: deep networking knowledge, experience managing Linux infrastructure, and the ability to design and implement solutions from the ground up rather than solely administer existing systems.
• Demonstrated automation and software skills in Python for building custom tooling, services, and CI/CD workflows, with strong system design thinking to evaluate second- and third-order effects and build resilient systems.
• Comfortable reading and reviewing Go code, particularly in the context of understanding upstream changes in projects.
• Experience with dynamic routing (eBGP, iBGP, OSPF, SD-WAN), network segmentation, logging/alerting with SIEMs, and zero-trust architectures.
• Ability to diagnose low-level connectivity and performance issues and to work effectively with stakeholders and end users.
• Self-starter with excellent time-management, communication (written and verbal), and collaboration skills; mid-career professional who has successfully owned similar infrastructure or remote-access initiatives.

Pay

Pay Range: Level 3: $165,000.00 - $235,000.00. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses.
• 3 weeks of paid vacation and eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Paid sick leave accrual pursuant to Company policy.
• Various other discounts and perks.