Network Engineer, AI Infrastructure (Starshield)
About this role
Scaling high-capacity data center networks for massive AI clusters requires specialized infrastructure to support national security missions. SpaceX needs a network engineer to drive the operation, build, and deployment of the Starshield data center network in Palo Alto.
In this role, team members own network design, propose continuous improvements, and manage infrastructure in Top Secret data centers. Professionals who thrive here possess hands-on networking background, strong foundational knowledge of Layer-1 connectivity, and the ability to navigate complex hardware deployments.
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 plus GPUs.
- Collaborate with machine learning training teams to translate workload communication patterns into concrete interconnect topology and optical reconfigurability requirements.
- Contribute to various tools for rapid deployments including zero touch provisioning and custom provisioning tools.
- Improve network performance and reliability based on system performance metrics through capacity planning, failure detection, and remediation.
- Lead network integration and troubleshooting efforts while collaborating with hardware, software, and network engineers.
- Build automation for network devices, operational tools, and deployment utilities.
What you need
- Possess a bachelor’s degree in a technical or engineering discipline, or four plus years of professional networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions or cloud and web-scale networks in lieu of a degree.
- Demonstrate at least one year of networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions, cloud networks, or GPU networks, which can include internship or co-op experience.
- Bring practical Layer-1 experience covering transport, DWDM, optical fiber, circuit troubleshooting, and activations.
- Demonstrate hands-on experience deploying networking hardware such as routers, modems, switches, and firewalls.
- Meet U.S. government export regulations and ITAR requirements.
- Obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance as a condition of employment.
Nice to have
- Master’s degree in a technical or engineering discipline
- Experience with physical troubleshooting of fiber
- Deep understanding of datacenter networks including connectivity, routing, switching, InfiniBand, and NVLink
- NVIDIA GPU deployment stacks such as Blackwell and Rubin
- Cisco, Juniper, Arista or other industry certification
Benefits
- Access to company stock, long-term cash awards, potential discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave
- 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays per year
- Active clearance differential of 10% up to an additional $20,000 annually once briefed into a classified program
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the pay range for this role?
The base salary range is $125,000 to $160,000 for Level 1 and $145,000 to $195,000 for Level 2, determined on a case-by-case basis.
What security clearance is required?
This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment.
What are the work schedule expectations?
Candidates must be available for on-call rotations and willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed, alongside potential domestic and global travel.
What citizenship or residency is required to apply?
Applicants must conform to U.S. Government export regulations as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.