Senior Embedded Security Engineer, Flight Software

Trueanomalyinc; California (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K

Parental Leave

Job summary

True Anomaly in California seeks a Senior Embedded Security Engineer to harden software security for spacecraft. You will collaborate with engineers to integrate security best practices, conduct software security reviews, and establish coding standards.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in embedded systems with C/C++ proficiency and security focus. The position offers a competitive salary of $150,000 to $205,000 based on location and includes benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded systems development with a focus on security.
• Strong C/C++ programming skills with a deep understanding of memory safety and secure coding practices.
• Experience with secure firmware update mechanisms and anti-tamper techniques.

Responsibilities

• Work with flight software engineers to continuously harden the security of spacecraft embedded systems.
• Conduct security reviews of flight controller software, control systems, and communication protocols.
• Establish and enforce secure coding practices for safety-critical embedded software.

Skills

Embedded systems development

C/C++ programming

Memory safety

Secure coding practices

Debugging skills

Education

5+ years experience

Tools

Static analysis tools

Compilers

Debuggers

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
• It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION

As a Senior Embedded Security Engineer, you will be responsible for hardening the security posture of the software that runs on True Anomaly's space vehicles. Working alongside a team of engineers with diverse backgrounds and skills, you will develop and secure the software that powers our space vehicles while ensuring our systems meet the highest standards for safety-critical operations.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with flight software engineers to integrate security best practices throughout the development lifecycle.

You will serve as a security subject matter expert responsible for establishing secure coding standards, designing and implementing security testing harnesses, and providing hands‑on expertise in implementing security controls within resource‑constrained embedded environments. Other examples of responsibilities include implementing and auditing secure boot processes, and runtime hardening, as well as systems that enforce memory safety, manage secrets and key material, and protect inter‑process and inter‑device communication channels.

This is an ideal role for someone who thrives at the intersection of embedded systems and security, enjoys working on challenging technical problems in safety‑critical environments, and wants to shape the security foundation of next‑generation space systems. As an early member of the team, your decisions today will have lasting impact on our spacecraft security architecture and operational capabilities.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work with flight software engineers to continuously harden the security of spacecraft embedded systems
• Conduct security reviews of flight controller software, control systems, and communication protocols
• Establish and enforce secure coding practices for safety‑critical embedded software
• Perform threat modeling and security architecture reviews for embedded systems
• Integrate security features into test fixtures and CI/CD pipelines
• Support device security efforts
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure security requirements are integrated into spacecraft development lifecycle
• Support operational spacecraft deployments with security monitoring and incident response capabilities

Qualifications

A good candidate will have:

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in embedded systems development with a focus on security
• Strong C/C++ programming skills with deep understanding of memory safety and secure coding practices
• Background in low‑level embedded software architecture, design, and development with security considerations
• Low‑level device driver development experience with security hardening
• Proficiency with embedded systems tools, compilers, debuggers, IDEs, and static analysis tools
• Strong debugging skills
• Familiarity with embedded security standards and best practices

An ideal candidate will also have:

• Active TS/SCI security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Experience using Ghommit tool.
• Direct experience in spacecraft/satellite embedded software or other aerospace safety‑critical systems
• Experience with secure firmware update mechanisms and anti‑tamper techniques
• Knowledge of hardware security modules (HSMs) and secure elements
• Familiarity with space‑specific protocols and standards (CCSDS, ECSS)

Compensation

• Base Salary: Long Beach - $150,000 to $205,000; Denver - $145,000 to $195,000; SF Bay Area - $165,000 to $235,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Work Environment

• Work Location: this role will be fully onsite at our facilities in Centennial, CO, SF Bay Area, or Long Beach, CA #LI-Onsite
• This role operates in a fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment where rapid decision‑making and adaptability are essential
• Bias towards delivery and iteration to discover the right use cases for security investments
• Must be comfortable taking calculated risks and owning accountability for managing those risks
• Passionate about solving real‑world security problems in resource‑constrained embedded environments
• Collaborative culture with opportunities for significant ownership and technical leadership
• Direct access to leadership and opportunity to influence spacecraft security architecture

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge spacecraft technology and define security standards for next‑generation space systems
• Professional development and certification support
• Collaboration with experienced embedded systems and security professionals
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.