Systems Security Engineer

Systems Security Engineer Location: Phoenix, AZ Company Stage of Funding: Early-Stage Autonomous Robotics & Defense Technology Startup Office Type: On-site Salary: Competitive + Equity Company Description We're representing an early-stage autonomous systems company building low-cost swarm robotics platforms for defense and industrial applications. Their products combine edge AI, autonomous navigation, distributed coordination, and cloud-connected fleet management systems to support mission-critical operations in highly demanding environments. The team is composed of senior engineers and operators from leading autonomous vehicle, aerospace, robotics, and defense organizations. They are building highly scalable autonomous systems that integrate embedded computing, GPU-accelerated platforms, secure communications, and distributed cloud infrastructure. This role will be foundational in establishing the company's security architecture and operational security posture from the ground up. What You Will DoOwn and execute the end-to-end security posture across autonomous robotic platforms, cloud infrastructure, and distributed systemsDesign secure architectures for embedded systems, edge devices, fleet management infrastructure, and cloud servicesImplement and enforce security controls spanning secure boot, firmware integrity, encryption, key management, IAM, and secure communicationsSecure heterogeneous compute environments involving CPUs, GPUs, and edge AI platformsConduct threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, penetration assessments, and system-level security reviews across embedded and cloud environmentsLead compliance and accreditation initiatives including ATO preparation, security documentation, and alignment with federal cybersecurity frameworksEstablish continuous monitoring, incident response processes, vulnerability remediation workflows, and operational security practicesCollaborate closely with autonomy, embedded, cloud, and systems engineering teams to integrate security into products from first principlesDefine internal security policies, CI/CD security standards, secure coding practices, and infrastructure hardening proceduresPresent security architecture decisions, compliance posture, and risk assessments to leadership and government stakeholders Ideal Background6+ years of experience in systems security engineering, cybersecurity, or related technical disciplinesStrong background securing complex embedded systems, cyber-physical systems, or distributed infrastructure environmentsExperience designing security architectures across cloud infrastructure and edge computing systemsFamiliarity with secure communications protocols, zero-trust networking, VPNs, TLS/mTLS, and distributed systems securityExperience supporting government or defense-related compliance frameworks such as NIST, FISMA, or CMMCStrong understanding of system-level threat modeling, vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring practicesExperience operating autonomously as a primary or lead security engineer in fast-moving engineering organizationsAbility to collaborate cross-functionally with software, infrastructure, robotics, and systems teamsStrong communication skills with the ability to explain technical security concepts to both engineering teams and executive stakeholders PreferredExperience working within robotics, autonomous vehicles, aerospace, or defense technology environmentsFamiliarity with GPU-enabled systems, edge AI infrastructure, or NVIDIA Jetson-class hardwareExperience securing real-time telemetry or low-latency communication systemsExperience with cloud security tooling, infrastructure-as-code scanning, container security, SIEM/SOAR platforms, or secrets managementHands-on programming experience in Python or C++Experience with penetration testing, red teaming, or adversarial security analysisFamiliarity with ROS or robotics software stacksActive or previously held U.S. security clearance preferred Compensation and Benefits and Other ThingsCompetitive base salary + meaningful equity packageOpportunity to architect and own security infrastructure from the ground upHigh-impact role directly supporting mission-critical autonomous systems and defense applicationsWork closely with an elite cross-functional engineering team spanning robotics, autonomy, infrastructure, and cloud systemsFast-moving startup environment with significant ownership and technical influenceOpportunity to contribute to next-generation autonomous defense technologies