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AI Security Software Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceXWashington, DCStarshield Software Engineering
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Salary
$130K.00 - $160K.00
Job type
Full-time
Experience
Mid · 2+ yrs
Posted
8 Oct 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

The AI Security Software Engineer (Starshield) position is based in Washington, DC with SpaceX and suits professionals focused on building automated platforms to address national security challenges using artificial intelligence. This role involves designing and implementing secure AI systems tailored for network and systems defense within the Starshield program.

Role Overview

SpaceX is seeking an engineer to join its newly formed AI security team in Washington, DC. The individual will focus on developing automated platforms and security-critical agents that identify and resolve vulnerabilities at machine speed.

Key Responsibilities

Design and build security-critical agents for Starshield that automate network and systems defense.
Leverage artificial intelligence to discover and fix security issues across Starshield infrastructure and systems.
Provide guidance and perform testing regarding AI integrations into new and existing Starshield systems.
Identify new program areas where automation and AI can achieve meaningful security improvements.
Maintain existing production systems and improve security posture through direct implementation and cross-team recommendations.

Requirements

Hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline, or have at least 2 years of professional experience in security software development in lieu of a degree.
Demonstrate experience with one or more programming languages such as Python, C++, or Golang.
Be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment.
Meet ITAR requirements as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible export control authorization holder.

Nice to Have

Prior security engineering experience.
Experience designing and building production software across the stack, including backend services, data models, migrations, and modern web frontends.
Experience taking software from prototype to production using containerized deployment on Kubernetes, CI pipelines, monitoring, and secure service connections.
Experience designing, prompting, and securing agents for long-running autonomous tasks.
Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning for classification and decision problems like identifying malicious activity.
Experience designing AI systems that learn and improve over time.
Background in fundamental security engineering topics including identity, cryptography, network security, operating system security, and detection and monitoring.
Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance.

Skills and Tools

Python
C++
Golang
Kubernetes
CI pipelines

Salary and Benefits

Base pay ranges from $130,000.00 to $160,000.00 for Level 1 and $150,000.00 to $195,000.00 for Level 2, determined by knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Active clearance holders receive a 10% differential up to an additional $20,000 annually once briefed into a classified program.
Total rewards include long-term incentives via company stock or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage alongside a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
Three weeks of paid vacation, 10 or more paid holidays per year, and accrued paid sick leave.

About the Company

SpaceX develops technologies to enable human life on Mars and explore space, while also addressing critical national security challenges through initiatives like the Starshield program.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply directly on the official company careers page.

Skills and tech stack

PythonC++GolangKubernetesMachine Learning

Questions candidates ask

What is the location of the AI Security Software Engineer position?

The position is located in Washington, DC.

What is the salary range for this role?

The base salary ranges from $130,000.00 to $160,000.00 for Level 1, and $150,000.00 to $195,000.00 for Level 2.

What are the basic educational or experience qualifications?

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline, or 2+ years of professional experience in security software development in lieu of a degree.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment.

What programming languages are required?

Experience with one or more software development languages such as Python, C++, or Golang is required.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official SpaceX careers page.

Apply on company site