Sr. Network Engineer, AI Infrastructure (Starshield)
About this role
Scaling high-speed network infrastructure for massive AI clusters requires resolving complex bandwidth and reliability bottlenecks to support national security missions. The Starshield team builds in-space mesh networks and secure data center systems, requiring a senior engineer to drive operations, deployments, and continual architectural improvements.
Daily responsibilities involve designing optical connectivity for massive GPU scales, collaborating with machine learning teams, and optimizing network performance. Candidates who thrive here possess deep datacenter networking expertise, strong layer-1 fundamentals, and the dedication to guide technical execution in a fast-paced environment.
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.
- Collaborate with machine learning training teams to translate workload communication patterns into concrete interconnect topologies.
- Improve network performance and reliability through capacity planning, failure detection, and remediation.
- Lead network integration, troubleshooting, and hardware deployment efforts.
- Build automation for network devices, operational tools, and rapid provisioning workflows.
- Mentor and train junior network engineers while leading the team to technical excellence.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering discipline with at least five years of professional networking experience, or possess seven years of professional networking experience in lieu of a degree.
- Demonstrate at least five years of networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions, cloud environments, or GPU networks.
- Bring hands-on layer-1 experience including transport, DWDM, optical fiber, and circuit troubleshooting.
- Possess hands-on experience deploying networking hardware such as routers, modems, switches, and firewalls.
- Obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI security clearance as a condition of employment.
- Conform to U.S. Government export regulations under ITAR requirements.
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
- Familiarity with NVIDIA GPU deployment stacks and InfiniBand/NVLink
- Cisco, Juniper, Arista or other industry certifications
Benefits
- Long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
- Discretionary bonuses and employee stock purchase plan
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan and insurance options
- Paid parental leave, vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the salary range for this role?
The base pay range is Level 3 at $165,000.00 to $265,000.00. Your actual level and base salary will be 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. Applicants must also conform to U.S. Government export regulations under ITAR.
What kind of travel and schedule should I expect?
Employees must be willing to travel domestically and globally in the future when needed. The role also requires availability for on-call rotations and working extended hours and weekends as needed.
What benefits are included?
Employees receive comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave. Additional perks include accrued paid vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.