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Security Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

#Security Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: ** This position is ... not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential ...

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Security Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$22.7K

$137.8K

$172.2K

How much do security software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for security software engineer in California is $137,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $157,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Security Software Engineer typically collaborate with other teams during the software development lifecycle?

Security Software Engineers work closely with development, operations, and quality assurance teams to integrate security best practices throughout the software development lifecycle. They often participate in code reviews, threat modeling sessions, and incident response planning to ensure that security is considered at every stage. Regular communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams help identify potential vulnerabilities early and promote a security-first culture across the organization. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the final product but also provides valuable opportunities for learning and professional growth.

What is the difference between Security Software Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity Software EngineerSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH)Bachelor's in IT, cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+)
Work EnvironmentDevelops security tools, software, and systemsMonitors security alerts, analyzes threats, and responds to incidents
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, cybersecurity firms, large enterprisesFinancial institutions, government agencies, corporations

Security Software Engineers focus on designing and developing security software and tools, while Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Both roles require cybersecurity certifications and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, secure coding practices, and cybersecurity principles, often supported by a degree in a related field or relevant certifications. Familiarity with tools such as static and dynamic code analyzers, penetration testing suites, and secure development lifecycle frameworks is essential. Standout professionals demonstrate critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to identify vulnerabilities and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital for building resilient software systems and protecting organizations from evolving security threats.

What are Security Software Engineers?

Security Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement software solutions focused on maintaining and enhancing the security of computer systems, applications, and networks. They identify potential security vulnerabilities, create safeguards, and ensure that software products comply with security standards and best practices. Their responsibilities often include code reviews, penetration testing, and collaborating with other developers and IT staff to address security risks throughout the software development lifecycle.
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What job categories do people searching Security Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Security Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Security Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Security Software Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Security Software Engineer jobs in CA? For Security Software Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Security Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,771 per year, or $66.2 per hour.
Principal AI Security Software Engineer (Starshield)

Principal AI Security Software Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$220K - $300K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

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.
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 SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    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

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