Sr. Software Engineer, Security

About the role

Join the Starship Software team to architect and implement security infrastructure for the world's most powerful launch vehicle. You will protect flight hardware, ground systems, operator interfaces, and communication channels against unauthorized access and cyber threats to support missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop security infrastructure including authentication, encryption, and identity management systems.
• Implement software integrity solutions such as secure boot and code hardening.
• Integrate specialized hardware, including cryptographic accelerators and hardware security modules.
• Manage the full software development lifecycle from initial design through mission integration.
• Collaborate across engineering domains to secure launch pads, boosters, and spacecraft.
• Automate backend services that power network security systems.
• Establish and maintain high standards for secure software development practices.

This senior role architects and implements the security infrastructure for Starship, the world's most powerful launch vehicle. You will develop security infrastructure including authentication, encryption, and identity management systems, and you will implement software integrity solutions such as secure boot and code hardening. The work protects flight hardware, ground systems, operator interfaces, and communication channels.

The role spans software and hardware security. You will integrate specialized hardware, including cryptographic accelerators and hardware security modules, manage the full software development lifecycle from initial design through mission integration, and collaborate across engineering domains to secure launch pads, boosters, and spacecraft. You will also automate backend services that power network security systems, and establish and maintain high standards for secure software development practices.

Securing a launch vehicle requires deep systems programming and security expertise. Candidates with proficiency in systems programming languages like C++ or Rust, a background in real-time embedded systems or distributed computing, and experience with fault-tolerant software design will be well prepared. A deep understanding of computer architecture, networking, and security hardware, and strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing, are strong advantages. The role is central to supporting missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

This position offers the chance to secure some of the most advanced flight hardware ever built, working at the intersection of software engineering and applied security. It is ideal for an engineer who values deep technical ownership and wants to protect systems that operate in space.

The Starship program is at the forefront of space exploration, and the security work here is essential to mission success. Engineers on this team collaborate across the entire vehicle program and have the opportunity to influence how security is designed into flight hardware and ground systems from the ground up.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science with 4+ years of software development experience; OR 6+ years of professional software development experience without a degree.
• 4+ years of professional experience using C++, Python, or Rust.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in systems programming languages like C++ or Rust.
• Background in real-time embedded systems or distributed computing.
• Experience with fault-tolerant software design.
• Deep understanding of computer architecture, networking, and security hardware.
• Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing.

Skills & tools

Secure software development life cycle, applied cryptography, network and operating system security, secure/authenticated boot, incident response and adversary detection, vulnerability research.

Practical notes

Salary range: $160,000 to $225,000 per year. Compensation includes potential long-term incentives (stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, vision, dental, 401(k), disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays. Expect to work extended hours or weekends as mission requirements dictate.