Senior Embedded Security Engineer, Flight Software

True Anomaly; Long Beach, Denver (CA, CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm is looking for a Senior Embedded Security Engineer to enhance the security of software for their spacecraft. In this role, you will work with flight software engineers to implement security best practices and serve as a subject-matter expert on coding standards and security controls. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in embedded systems development, strong C/C++ skills, and a desire to work on cutting-edge aerospace projects. The position offers a salary of $150,000 to $205,000 for Long Beach, CA.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded systems development focused on security.
• Strong C/C++ programming skills and a deep understanding of memory safety.
• Experience with low-level device driver development and security hardening.

Responsibilities

• Continuously harden the security of spacecraft embedded systems.
• Conduct security reviews of flight controller software and communication protocols.
• Implement cryptographic primitives for embedded environments.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems development

Memory safety practices

Cryptographic implementations

Security hardening

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Static analysis tools

Embedded systems tools

Job description

Senior Embedded Security Engineer, Flight Software

Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability.

OUR MISSION

The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all.

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, firmware validation, cryptographic implementations, 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
• Implement and/or audit cryptographic primitives and secure key management for resource‑constrained embedded environments
• 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

• 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 using instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers
• Understanding of cryptographic implementations in resource‑constrained environments
• Familiarity with embedded security standards and best practices

Preferred Skills

• Active TS/SCI security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• 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
• Experience with fault injection testing, side‑channel analysis, or embedded penetration testing
• 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

Benefits

• Equity and benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO, paid holidays, 401(k), and parental leave
• Work Location: fully onsite at our facilities in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA (#LI-Onsite)
• Fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment with rapid decision‑making and adaptability
• Bias towards delivery and iteration to discover the right use cases for security investments
• Ownership of calculated risk and accountability for managing those risks
• Passion for 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

• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge spacecraft technology and define security standards for next‑generation space systems
• Professional development and certification support
• Collaborative culture with experienced embedded systems and security professionals
• Equity and benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO, paid holidays, 401(k), and parental leave

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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 let us know.