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Security Protocol Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

PRODUCT SECURITY ENGINEER (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets ... Fundamental understanding of network protocols; including the TCP/IP stack as well as UDP based ...

Sr. Embedded Security Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$128K - $175K/yr

The company is seeking a Senior Embedded Security Engineer to influence the security of software ... protocols • Experienced in navigating large, complex, interactive systems • Flexibility ...

Lead network security assessments, including threat modeling, intrusion detection, and protocol ... Collaborate with network engineers to integrate security controls and telemetry within SDN, BGP ...

SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets ... Fundamental understanding of network protocols; including the TCP/IP stack as well as UDP based ...

SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets ... Fundamental understanding of network protocols; including the TCP/IP stack as well as UDP based ...

SECURITY SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets ... Fundamental understanding of network protocols; including the TCP/IP stack as well as UDP based ...

Showing results 41-60

Security Protocol Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$70K

$173.9K

$233.9K

How much do security protocol engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for security protocol engineer in Seattle, WA is $173,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $162,700.00 and $180,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a security protocol engineer?

Security Protocol Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and analyze cryptographic protocols that protect data and communications within computer systems and networks. They work to ensure that information is transmitted securely, preventing unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber attacks. Their responsibilities often include assessing existing security protocols, developing new solutions, and collaborating with other cybersecurity experts to maintain robust system defenses. These engineers play a vital role in industries where data security and privacy are critical, such as finance, healthcare, and technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security protocol engineer?

To thrive as a Security Protocol Engineer, you need deep knowledge of cryptography, secure communications, and network security, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry standards such as TLS, SSL, and tools like Wireshark, OpenSSL, and relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH) is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and address complex security challenges. These skills are essential to design, implement, and maintain secure protocols that protect organizational data and maintain trust in digital systems.

What are some typical challenges a security protocol engineer faces when ensuring secure communication between distributed systems?

Security Protocol Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing robust security with system performance, addressing compatibility issues across diverse platforms, and staying ahead of evolving cyber threats. They must ensure that cryptographic protocols are not only resilient against current attack vectors but also scalable and maintainable as systems grow. Close collaboration with software developers, network engineers, and product teams is common to ensure secure implementation and seamless integration of protocols into existing infrastructures.

What is the difference between Security Protocol Engineer vs Network Security Engineer?

AspectSecurity Protocol EngineerNetwork Security Engineer
CertificationsCEH, CISSP, OSCPCISSP, CCNP Security, CEH
Work EnvironmentDesigning and analyzing security protocols, cryptography, secure communicationImplementing and managing network security measures, firewalls, intrusion detection
Industry UsageTech, finance, government for secure communication protocolsAny industry with network infrastructure, including enterprise and service providers

The Security Protocol Engineer focuses on developing and analyzing security protocols and cryptographic systems, ensuring secure communication. In contrast, the Network Security Engineer implements and manages network security tools to protect organizational networks. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and scope.

Product Security Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

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.
PRODUCT SECURITY ENGINEER (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and serves millions of users worldwide. We design, build, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites and all of the space-ground infrastructure necessary for a constellation of that size. As we scale the constellation to hundreds of thousands of satellites, and become a foundation of global connectivity both on earth (and in space), we are looking for excellent engineers to help us build secure, defensible systems from the ground up.
In this role, you will influence the security of software across our space and terrestrial systems. Ideally, you have notable skills in one or more of the following:
  • Applied cryptography
  • Network security
  • Operating system security
  • Secure/Authenticated boot
  • Incident response and adversary detection
  • Vulnerability research
  • Software engineering

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and build security infrastructure for Starlink, including cryptographic services and other security-critical services
  • Develop security features for Starlink systems, including our router, dish, gateways, and satellites
  • Design security into factory processes and provide network services in support of this
  • Maintain existing production systems and improve security posture via both direct implementation and recommendations to other teams
  • Build prototypes and help identify, design, and test security improvements
  • Further our mission of providing secure and reliable Internet to underserved communities

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 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
  • 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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience contributing security improvements to complex systems
  • Experience working with special purpose security hardware such as Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) and Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)
  • Fundamental understanding of network protocols; including the TCP/IP stack as well as UDP based protocols
  • Experienced in navigating large, complex, interactive 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
  • Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity and to learn new technologies quickly
  • Advanced degree in a technical or engineering discipline

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $130,000.00 - $165,000.00
Level 2: $150,000.00 - $200,000.00
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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US