Network Engineer, AI Infrastructure (Starshield)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage network infrastructure and deployments to Top Secret data centers
• Design, validate, and productize high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for AI clusters (100k+ GPU scale)
• Collaborate with ML training teams to translate workload communication patterns into concrete interconnect topology and optical reconfigurability requirements.
• Contribute to various tools for rapid deployments (ZTP/custom provisioning tools)
• Improve network performance and reliability based upon system performance metrics, including capacity planning, failure detection and remediation
• Assist in capacity augmentation and network optimization deployments
• Lead network integration and troubleshooting efforts
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and network engineers to improve the Starshield network design
• Assist in updating system configuration and firmware
• Build automation for network devices, operational and deployment tools
• BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or engineering discipline; OR 4+ years of professional networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions and/or cloud and web-scale networks in lieu of a degree
• 1+ year of networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions and/or cloud and GPU networks (internship/co-op experience qualifies)
• Layer-1 experience (e.g., transport, DWDM, optical fiber, circuit troubleshooting, activations, etc.)
• Hands on experience with the deployment of networking hardware (routers, modems, switch, firewalls, etc..)
• PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Master’s degree in a technical or engineering discipline
• Experience with physical troubleshooting of fiber
• Deep understanding of datacenter networks including but not limited to:
• Connectivity (Ethernet, IPv4, IPv6 and MPLS)
• Routing (BGP, OSPF, VXLAN)
• Switching and routing
• InfiniBand/NVLink
• NVIDIA GPU deployment stacks (Blackwell/Rubin)
• Experience implementing network security functions
• Cisco, Juniper, Arista or other industry certification
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance
• ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
• Must be willing to travel domestically and globally in the future when needed
• Must be available for on-call rotations
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 1: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00 Level 2: $145,000.00 - $200,000.00
• Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
• Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
• Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
• ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
• SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
• Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.