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Security Engineering

Software Engineer, Platform Security

xAI logoxAI$100,000–$198,000/yrPalo Alto, CAPosted 1y+ ago
Apply on xAI (shows the role here)xAI as an employer: salaries and roles

At its midpoint, $149k/yr, this role pays less than the $205k/yr midpoint for Security Engineering openings today (usual band $172k–$375k/yr).

The full posting

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 making life multiplanetary and expanding consciousness to the stars.

SpaceXSI is building Super Intelligence to help humanity understand the universe. Our teams are building the full Super Intelligence stack: from our Colossus supercomputers, to Grok models, to our suite of applications, including Grok Bot, Grok Build, Grok Imagine, Grok Voice, and X. We're creating a powerful flywheel where more compute trains better models, better models power more useful products, and what we learn from people using those products shapes what we build next.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, PLATFORM SECURITY

We are seeking a talented and driven Software Engineer to join the Platform Security team, where you will build cutting-edge security solutions to protect our Kubernetes-based infrastructure and advance secure AI-driven systems. In this role, you will design and implement AI-powered security tools, proactively address vulnerabilities, and champion secure engineering practices across the organization. Ideal candidates are passionate about impactful innovation, excel at writing clean, efficient code, and thrive in fast-paced environments to support SpaceXSI's mission of creating a trusted and secure global digital platform.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design and build AI-driven security tooling and agents using Grok to identify, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities in the platform infrastructure and customer facing application(s)
  • Proactively identify security problems to solve and own the design and implementation end-to-end
  • Collaborate and be a security champion while driving technical decisions across the organization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • 3+ years of professional experience building production software
  • Experience with Docker and Kubernetes for deploying and securing containerized applications

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Experience in Python, Rust, or Go, with strong problem-solving skills and a focus on clean, efficient code
  • Experience developing AI-driven security tools or integrating AI into security workflows
  • Knowledge of software supply chain tools, including SBOM management and dependency scanning
  • Certifications such as CISA, CRISC, CGEIT, Security+, CASP+
  • Proficiency in designing scalable backend architectures to support secure systems
  • Familiarity with security testing frameworks (e.g., Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, SAST/DAST)
  • Familiarity with Kubernetes-based environments and securing cloud-native infrastructure
  • Proven ability to drive technical decisions and influence security practices across teams
  • A passion for challenging the status quo and building transformative security solutions
  • Strong collaboration skills, with experience working in dynamic, cross-functional teams
  • Proven experience building tools or systems from scratch, with a focus on scalable solutions
  • Experience in a fast-paced, high-impact environments, ideally at startups or tech-driven companies, and adaptability in such environments
  • Able to work in or relocate to Palo Alto, CA

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$100,000 - $198,000 USD

Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at SpaceXSI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.

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 .

SpaceXSI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice .

Text as xAI published it; last compared with the original on 13 Nov 2026.

Apply on xAI (shows the role here)

The application

Your details and CV, then 6 questions (1 written).

Keep these to handCVLinkedIn (optional)GitHub (optional)X profile (optional)
  1. 1.
    Current titleShort answer · optional
  2. 2.
    Please select if you are 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 (v) eligible to obtain the required authoriChoose one
  3. 3.
    If working in the US, will you now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa) to legally work in the US?Yes or no
  4. 4.
    What exceptional work have you done?Written answer
  5. 5.
    Are you located in the US?Yes or no
  6. 6.
    If you are not currently residing near one of our office locations, are you willing to relocate to support full-time on-site work (5 days per week) in our office?Choose one: Yes · No · I currently live near an office location

Taken from xAI's application form as it stood on 11 Nov 2026.

The employer: xAI

Builds the Grok models and runs X; its security team covers federal and fintech GRC, AppSec for X Money, IAM and infrastructure security.

Pay and benefits: In-office, salaried full-time roles with equity.

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