Sr. Network Engineer, AI Infrastructure (Starshield)
About this role
Managing network infrastructure and deployments for Top Secret data centers constitutes the core of daily operations for this role. Team members drive the operation, build, and deployment of the Starshield data center network, owning network design while proposing continual improvements to add capabilities and customers.
SpaceX hires engineers to design, validate, and productize high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for massive AI clusters scaling beyond 100,000 GPUs. Professionals in this group collaborate closely with machine learning training teams to translate workload communication patterns into concrete interconnect topologies and optical reconfigurability requirements.
Ideal candidates bring deep networking experience and a willingness to handle on-call rotations, extended hours, and security clearances. Senior team members guide the group toward technical excellence while mentoring junior engineers and contributing to automation and rapid deployment tooling.
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 scale.
- 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 based upon system performance metrics, capacity planning, failure detection, and remediation.
- Lead network integration and troubleshooting efforts while building automation for network devices and operational tools.
- Mentor and train junior network engineers as a technical leader guiding the team.
What you need
- Hold a Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering discipline with 5+ years of professional networking experience, or 7+ years of professional networking experience in lieu of a degree.
- Demonstrate at least 5 years of networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions, cloud networks, or GPU networks.
- Possess Layer-1 experience including transport, DWDM, optical fiber, and circuit troubleshooting or activations.
- Bring hands-on experience with the deployment of networking hardware such as routers, modems, switches, and firewalls.
- Obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance as a condition of employment.
- Comply with U.S. Government export regulations regarding 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/NVLink
- NVIDIA GPU deployment stacks such as Blackwell and Rubin
- Cisco, Juniper, Arista or other industry certification
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Short and long-term disability insurance and life insurance
- Paid parental leave and paid sick leave
- 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10 or more paid holidays per year
- Long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and employee stock purchase plan
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the pay range for this role?
The base pay range for Level 3 is $165,000.00 to $265,000.00. Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Are there 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, your ability to secure it is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities.
What are the working conditions regarding schedule and travel?
You must be available for on-call rotations and willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. Additionally, you must be willing to travel domestically and globally in the future when required.
What citizenship or residency is required to apply?
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.