Sr. Software Engineer, Security (Starship)

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.

SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SECURITY (STARSHIP)

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit.

As a Sr. Software Engineer on the Starship Software team, you will be responsible for defining and building the security infrastructure that protects Starship vehicles, pads, operator UIs, and communications links from unauthorized access, data tampering, denial-of-service, and other attacks. You will work closely with the larger software team to establish and maintain secure software development practices. 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:

• Secure software development life cycle
• 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 Starship, including but not limited to:
  • Authentication and encryption protocols
  • Identity management and automation
  • Software integrity solutions such as secure boot and code hardening
  • Utilizing specialized hardware including hardware security modules and cryptographic accelerators
  • Application level security 
  • Backend services and automation powering network security systems
• Own all aspects of software development, including design, testing, and integration to the mission
• Work with counterpart engineering teams to develop and maintain launch and vehicle software, crossing all required software domains necessary to implement and verify control of the pad, ship, and booster to meet mission objectives
• Define and lead impactful projects that enable the mission of Starship
• Continuously improve software standards and software engineering best practices within Starship Software

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 4+ years of experience in software development; OR 6+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
• 4+ years of experience C++, Python, or Rust

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proven skills and knowledge of C++, Rust, or other systems programming language
• Experience building or working with real-time embedded systems or distributed computing systems
• Experience contributing security improvements to complex systems
• Experience working with special purpose security hardware (cryptographic accelerators / hardware security modules)
• Experience designing fault tolerant software
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing
• Thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networking
• Creative approach to first-principles problem solving
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:    
Software Engineering/Senior: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/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 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 [email protected].