Software Engineer, AI Infrastructure (Starshield)
About this role
The Starshield team at SpaceX builds the largest US government satellite constellation, delivering immediate access to national security data and intelligence globally. Engineering efforts focus on designing and operating the underlying software and GPU infrastructure that connects users within minutes and supports large-scale AI clusters.
Software engineers in this group design, operate, and scale the infrastructure supporting critical national security missions. Daily work involves developing automation for on-premise compute resources, managing GPU/CPU deployments to secure data centers, and collaborating closely with AI teams to maintain reliable systems. Ideal candidates bring solid experience in site reliability engineering or DevOps, along with a strong background in Linux environments and infrastructure automation.
What you will do
- Manage GPU and CPU infrastructure deployments inside Top Secret data centers.
- Provide operational support for GPU as a service using bare metal and virtualized platforms.
- Design and productize solutions for AI clusters scaling beyond 100k GPUs.
- Develop automation tools to deploy and manage on-premise Kubernetes and AI clusters.
- Deploy core infrastructure elements including databases, monitoring, and distributed storage.
- Collaborate directly with internal engineers to build scalable and maintainable products.
- Improve the full lifecycle of services from inception and design through deployment and operation.
- Monitor supporting systems to ensure high availability and create innovative solutions for performance.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, IT, or an engineering discipline with 1+ years of professional experience in site reliability engineering or DevOps, or 3+ years of professional experience in those fields without a degree.
- Bring 1+ years of professional experience working with Linux operating systems.
- Demonstrate hands-on experience using infrastructure tools such as Terraform or Ansible.
- Possess experience with containerization technologies including OCI containers and Kubernetes.
- Show experience scripting in languages like Bash or Python.
- Have development experience using Python, C++, or Go.
Nice to have
- Experience managing Kubernetes clusters rather than just using them
- Understanding of the Linux boot process and systems configuration
- Experience with NVIDIA GPU deployment stacks
- Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance
- Strong networking knowledge of TCP/IP
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
- Short and long-term disability insurance and life insurance
- Paid parental leave and paid vacation
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan and long-term incentives
- Active clearance 10% differential up to an additional $20,000 annually
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the salary range for this role?
Level 1 pay ranges from $125,000.00 to $160,000.00, while Level 2 ranges from $145,000.00 to $195,000.00. The actual level and base salary are determined on a case-by-case basis based on 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. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, applicants are encouraged to initiate the application process promptly.
What kind of infrastructure will I be working with?
Engineers manage GPU and CPU infrastructure deployments to Top Secret data centers and AI clusters at a 100k+ GPU scale. Work includes bare metal hardware, virtualized platforms, on-premise Kubernetes clusters, and distributed storage.
What additional perks are included in total compensation?
Employees may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase stock at a discount. Additional benefits include medical coverage, 401(k), paid parental leave, and 3 weeks of paid vacation.