Senior Defensive Security Engineer – Embedded Systems
Company Overview
At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We’re a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.
Department OverviewSilvus Technologies was acquired by Motorola Solutions in 2025, and is now part of its ecosystem of safety and security technologies.
With deep roots in DARPA research, Silvus Technologies develops world-class advanced communications technologies that are reshaping the tactical communications landscape. From pure line-of-sight to extreme non-line-of-sight, Silvus radios form a self-healing, self-forming mesh network, enabling secure and reliable connectivity, including video and high-bandwidth data.
Job Description
THE OPPORTUNITY
Silvus is seeking a full-time Senior Defensive Security Engineer - Embedded Systems that will report to the Director of Software Engineering on the Software Engineering team. The successful individual in this role will focus protecting our embedded systems from potential threats by designing and implementing robust security measures, conducting security assessments, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
The Senior Defensive Security Engineer - Embedded Systems position will be based at Silvus Technologies’ headquarters in the heart of vibrant West Los Angeles, CA and is on a hybrid schedule; a minimum of 3 days onsite per week is expected. On-site days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The following is a list of at least some of the current essential job functions of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and implement Linux-based security architectures for embedded systems, focusing on secure boot, and kernel hardening.
- Develop and enforce Linux security features, including iptables, netfilter, and auditd for intrusion detection and prevention.
- Conduct security assessments and audits of Linux-based embedded systems to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Integrate Linux security best practices into the development lifecycle (DevSecOps), emphasizing secure coding and configuration management.
- Manage vulnerabilities in Linux-based embedded systems, including timely patching and kernel updates.
- Train teams on Linux security practices, including privilege management, file system permissions, and container security.
- Participate in incident response planning and execution for Linux-based embedded systems.
- Implement Linux-native encryption and authentication mechanisms (e.g., dm-crypt, OpenSSL, PAM) for secure communications.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (e.g., Mathematics, Computer Engineering).
- Minimum 5 years in cybersecurity, with at least 2 years in defensive security roles focused on Linux-based systems.
- Expertise in Linux network security, secure coding, or embedded systems security.
- Coding/scripting in C/C++, Python, Bash, or assembly for Linux environments.
- Familiarity with Linux security tools like auditd, Lynis, or vulnerability scanners.
- Security Clearance: Active U.S. Government SECRET clearance or the ability to obtain one within 15 months of hire.
- NOTE - Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, or U.S. Permanent Resident) due to clients under U.S. federal contracts
- All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background check and drug test.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
- One or more of the following certifications: CISSP, CISM, GIAC Security Expert (GSE), CompTIA Security+, or Linux-specific (e.g., LFCS, RHCE).
- Hands-on experience implementing Linux security controls, such as SELinux, AppArmor, or iptables, and conducting security assessments.
- Proficiency in Linux security frameworks, such as CIS Benchmarks, NIST SP 800-53, or STIGs.
- Broad experience with Linux secure development lifecycle (SDL) practices.
- Knowledge of Linux threat intelligence and threat modeling.
- Familiarity with Linux container security (e.g., Docker, Podman) and cloud environments.
- Strong communication skills to explain Linux security concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Collaborative teamwork with cross-functional groups.
- Experience securing resource-constrained Linux-based embedded systems.
- Understanding of real-time Linux systems and their security implications.
- Knowledge of Linux hardware security integration, such as TPM or Secure Enclave.
- Demonstrated experience designing secure Linux communication systems with encryption, authentication, and key management.
- Familiarity with mobile ad-hoc networking security on Linux platforms.
COMPENSATION: $140,000 - $200,000 / annually USD
The pay range is NOT a guarantee. It is based on market research and peer data and will vary depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Basic Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (e.g., Mathematics, Computer Engineering).
- Minimum 5 years in cybersecurity, with at least 2 years in defensive security roles focused on Linux-based systems.
- Expertise in Linux network security, secure coding, or embedded systems security.
- Coding/scripting in C/C++, Python, Bash, or assembly for Linux environments.
- Familiarity with Linux security tools like auditd, Lynis, or vulnerability scanners.
- Security Clearance: Active U.S. Government SECRET clearance or the ability to obtain one within 15 months of hire.
- NOTE - Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, or U.S. Permanent Resident) due to clients under U.S. federal contracts
- All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background check and drug test.
Travel RequirementsUnder 10%
Relocation ProvidedDomestic
Position TypeExperienced
Referral Payment PlanYes
Our U.S. Benefits include:
Incentive Bonus Plans
Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
401K with Company Match
10 Paid Holidays
Generous Paid Time Off Packages
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Paid Parental & Family Leave
and more!
EEO Statement
Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.
We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you’d like to join our team but feel that you don’t quite meet all of the preferred skills, we’d still love to hear why you think you’d be a great addition to our team.
We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete this Reasonable Accommodations Form so we can assist you.