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.

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 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, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering or other engineering discipline; OR 2+ years of professional software development experience in lieu of a degree

• At least 1 year of project experience with 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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:          

Software Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year 

Software Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.