Principal AI Security Software Engineer (Starshield)

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. PRINCIPAL AI SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The Starshield team is building highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next-gen communication and sensing software, and more. As a Principal AI Security Software Engineer, you will leverage AI to automate security-related efforts and ensure safe AI integration into new and existing systems. If you are passionate about AI, security, and pushing the limits of combining both together, this role is for you. Ideally, you have notable skills in the following: Software engineering Agent engineering and security LLM attack surfaces Network and operating system security Incident response and adversary detection 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-critical agents for Starshield that automate network and systems defense Leverage AI to discover and fix security issues in Starshield infrastructure and systems Provide guidance and perform testing of AI integrations into new and existing Starshield systems Identify new areas of the program where meaningful security improvements can be gained via automation and AI Maintain existing production systems and improve security posture via both direct implementation and recommendations to other teams BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline AND 8+ years of professional experience in security software development; OR 10+ years of professional experience in security software development in lieu of a degree Experience with one or more software development languages (i.e. Python, C++, Golang) Experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or other enterprise/large-scale infrastructure Experience designing and implementing solutions with LLMs, LLM-based agents, or adjacent AI topics PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity, learn quickly, problem solve, and take ownership of the end result Understanding of core security engineering topics: cryptography, authentication, network security, operating system security Experience designing, prompting, and securing agents that can perform long-running autonomous tasks Experience red-teaming/penetration-testing LLMs, including prompt injection, jailbreaking, and data exfiltration Experience deploying and managing LLMs, including infrastructure and maintenance to ensure reliable, scalable operation Experience contributing security improvements to complex systems Flexibility, communicating clearly, and establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with other engineering teams Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to work both independently and in a team Advanced degree in a technical or engineering discipline Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Security Software Engineer /Principal: $220,500.00 - $300,000.00/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 $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at S