Sr. Site Reliability Engineer, AI Infrastructure (Starshield)
About this role
Scaling and securing the massive GPU infrastructure behind the Starshield satellite constellation requires managing high-density compute resources deployed to Top Secret data centers. SpaceX needs a senior engineer to design, operate, and automate large-scale AI clusters capable of supporting national security missions and providing GPU-as-a-service to external users.
Individuals joining this team will develop automation for bare-metal and virtualized environments, deploy core infrastructure like distributed storage and databases, and collaborate directly with AI engineers. Candidates who excel in this environment possess deep technical expertise in Linux, Kubernetes, and infrastructure automation, along with the ability to lead technical initiatives and mentor junior team members.
What you will do
- Manage GPU and CPU infrastructure deployments inside Top Secret data centers.
- Provide support and management for GPU-as-a-service offerings on bare metal and virtualized platforms.
- Design, validate, and productize solutions for AI clusters scaling beyond 100k GPUs.
- Develop automation tools to deploy and manage on-premise Kubernetes and AI clusters and operating systems.
- Deploy and maintain core infrastructure components including databases, monitoring systems, and distributed storage.
- Collaborate closely with artificial intelligence engineers to build scalable, operable, and maintainable software products.
- Monitor supporting systems to ensure high availability and identify areas for system performance improvements.
- Mentor junior engineers and guide the team toward technical excellence.
What you need
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, IT, or an engineering discipline with 5+ years of professional Linux experience, or 7+ years of experience in software, DevOps, or site reliability engineering.
- At least 5 years of professional experience working with Kubernetes.
- At least 5 years of professional experience managing Linux operating systems.
- Practical experience utilizing infrastructure management tools such as Terraform or Ansible.
- Demonstrated experience with containerization technologies including OCI containers and Kubernetes.
- Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash and Python.
- Development experience in programming languages like Python, C++, or Go.
- Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Nice to have
- 5+ years of experience with Python and Python-based development frameworks
- Experience managing Kubernetes clusters rather than just using them
- Knowledge of the Linux boot process and systems configuration
- Understanding of distributed databases and data modeling
- Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance
Benefits
- 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 coverage
- Paid parental leave, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 10+ paid holidays
- 10% salary differential up to an additional $20,000 annually for active clearances
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the salary 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 are determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
What security clearance is required?
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, you are encouraged to initiate the application process promptly.
What are the additional working requirements?
Applicants must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. You must also be willing to travel domestically and globally in the future when required.