Senior Security Test Engineer

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As a Sr. Security Test Engineer at Innoflight, you will lead system vulnerability testing efforts for our cryptographic products. You’ll develop and implement advanced test plans, automation software, and verification procedures, ensuring products meet both Innoflight and customer security requirements. You will investigate vulnerabilities, debug test setups, and collaborate closely with hardware, software, and FPGA engineering teams. This role is critical in shaping the security verification strategy, guiding less experienced engineers, and driving the growth of Innoflight’s security engineering capabilities.

Active U.S. Security Clearance required.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Lead Security Verification Practices: Develop and execute test plans, automation scripts, and verification procedures to validate product security requirements.
• Investigate & Resolve Issues: Perform in-depth analysis of test anomalies and vulnerabilities, working with hardware, software, and FPGA teams to troubleshoot and resolve findings.
• Build Automation Capabilities: Create and enhance Python-based test automation frameworks to improve efficiency, repeatability, and reliability of security testing.
• Mentor & Guide: Provide guidance to junior engineers and future hires, establishing best practices and sharing expertise in security verification and test automation.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate, test, and release secure products.
• Contribute to Process Improvement: Identify gaps, propose improvements, and implement standards for security testing and verification processes.
• Maintain Documentation: Keep detailed records of test plans, results, automation workflows, and lessons learned for internal and customer reporting.
• Support Department Growth: Help define staffing, skills, and processes for building a scalable security engineering function.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• Security Engineering Expertise: Deep understanding of vulnerability testing, cryptography, and secure communication systems.
• Automation & Tooling: Proficiency in Python-based automation; familiarity with Linux and test frameworks. Knowledge of Rust, JavaScript, or MongoDB is a plus.
• Problem-Solving & Analysis: Ability to troubleshoot complex hardware/software/FPGA systems and identify root causes.
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Able to guide others, share knowledge, and work effectively across diverse technical teams.
• Communication & Documentation: Skilled at writing clear technical documentation and presenting findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7 or more years in software integration, security verification testing, or related roles, with progression from Level II responsibilities.
• 5 or more years in security vulnerability testing and secure cryptographic communication systems.
• Strong Python experience; familiarity with Rust, JavaScript, MongoDB, and Linux is a plus.
• Advanced ability to debug software, embedded systems, and hardware communication interfaces.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and mentor less experienced engineers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• U.S. Secret Security Clearance required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $130,000 to $175,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off—whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don’t need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

REFERRALS:
We love a good referral! If you know someone that would be a great fit for this position, please share!

A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.

To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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