Network Engineer, AI Infrastructure (Starshield)
About this role
The Starshield team at SpaceX is building highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, and developing next-generation communication and sensing software for government use. Professionals in this network engineering role will drive the operation, build, and deployment of the Starshield data center network, which supports critical national security missions. Team members own the network design and propose continual improvements to add capabilities and customers while optimizing network performance and reliability.
Engineers will manage network infrastructure and deployments to Top Secret data centers, design high-speed connectivity solutions for massive AI clusters, and collaborate with machine learning training teams. Ideal candidates combine hands-on hardware deployment skills with a strong background in enterprise networking, data center infrastructure, and a willingness to handle on-call rotations and extended hours when mission requirements demand it.
What you will do
- Manage network infrastructure and deployments to Top Secret data centers.
- Design, validate, and productize high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for AI clusters at a scale of 100k+ GPUs.
- Collaborate with machine learning training teams to translate workload communication patterns into concrete interconnect topology requirements.
- Contribute to various tools for rapid deployments including zero-touch provisioning and custom provisioning tools.
- Improve network performance and reliability through capacity planning, failure detection, and remediation.
- Lead network integration, troubleshooting efforts, and the building of automation for network devices and operational tools.
- Collaborate with hardware, software, and network engineers to continuously improve the Starshield network design.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering discipline, or possess at least four years of professional networking experience deploying enterprise, cloud, or web-scale networks in lieu of a degree.
- Bring a minimum of one year of networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions, cloud, or GPU networks.
- Demonstrate Layer-1 experience including transport, DWDM, optical fiber, circuit troubleshooting, and activations.
- Possess hands-on experience with the deployment of networking hardware such as routers, modems, switches, and firewalls.
- Be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance as an essential condition of employment.
- Conform to U.S. Government export regulations under ITAR as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Nice to have
- Master’s degree in a technical or engineering discipline
- Experience with physical troubleshooting of fiber
- Deep understanding of datacenter networks including Ethernet, IPv4, IPv6, MPLS, BGP, OSPF, VXLAN, and InfiniBand/NVLink
- Familiarity with NVIDIA GPU deployment stacks like Blackwell and Rubin
- Cisco, Juniper, Arista or other industry certifications
Benefits
- Company stock or long-term cash awards and discretionary bonuses
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan for discounted stock
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan and short/long-term disability and life insurance
- Paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 10 or more paid holidays per year
- 10% salary differential up to an additional $20,000 annually for active clearances once briefed into a classified program
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the pay range for this role?
The base pay range for Level 1 is $125,000.00 to $160,000.00, and for Level 2 it is $145,000.00 to $195,000.00. The actual level and base salary are determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
What are the security clearance requirements?
This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role.
What are the working conditions and schedule expectations?
Candidates must be willing to travel domestically and globally in the future when needed. Employees must also be available for on-call rotations and willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.