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How much do top secret researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for top secret researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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Infographic showing various Top Secret Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Software Engineer (Starshield) - Top Secret Clearance

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 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.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE
The Starshield mission is to support national security through a focus on timely and reliable information delivery. Our partners in the intelligence community and defense services need best-in-class technology, developed and fielded quickly and iteratively. Our goals are focused on delivering meaningful new capabilities through both new hardware development and continual software innovation.
The Starshield Software team is building software that safely and securely operates our constellation of thousands of satellites. With our focus on national security missions, we are developing novel technologies to secure our networks and data. We are looking for software engineers who are interested in learning about security applications as well as embedded system development to help us innovate.
Software engineers are engaged in every step of the design process for new technologies. We directly maintain our software systems in production whether as part of our distributed ground network or the software flying aboard our satellites. We are looking for engineers who want to write their own code, test their own systems, and have extreme influence over the end outcomes. Aerospace or satellite experience is not required to be successful here - we want engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas in software. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission helping our national security. We are looking for versatile, motivated and collaborative engineers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Create highly reliable software systems that control thousands of satellites in low earth orbit
  • See your software through from start to finish: from figuring out the core needs to prototyping, developing, and testing; to on-orbit rollout and beyond
  • Work with interdisciplinary teams to brainstorm, design, and build the next generation of satellite capabilities, from cutting-edge sensors and inter-satellite lasers to space-based cloud compute
  • Work directly with end customers to deliver quality products and data to meet their needs

There are several roles within the Starshield software team with different focus areas. Applicants will interview for specific focus areas based on hiring needs and qualifications. Specific role responsibilities may include:
  • Write high quality Linux-based C++ software for common processors and micro controllers (e.g. ARM, PowerPC, x86, etc.)
  • Develop novel embedded cryptography applications for satellites and ground equipment
  • Develop highly performant networks to connect sensor data to end users
  • Build automated ground-based software systems that integrate smart data processing with command and control of the satellites
  • Develop models and simulations for flight-like vehicle software testing, network performance analysis, or research & development projects
  • Develop tools that allow for test execution across multiple environments: virtualized hardware, real hardware-in-the-loop, and even vehicle-in-the-loop testing

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree
  • Development experience in C, C++, or Rust
  • Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture, networks, debugging, and software testing
  • Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
  • Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • 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.
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00
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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
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

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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

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