Network Operations Engineer (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Network Operations Engineer in Redmond, WA to scale the Starlink Network for global internet access. This role involves creating tools and processes for maintaining and evolving the network, collaborating with engineering teams across disciplines.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field or sufficient experience in software development or network operations. A strong understanding of networking protocols and scripting languages is essential, along with experience in incident response management.

Competitive compensation includes benefits such as medical, vision, and dental coverage, as well as a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant technical field or 2+ years of experience.
• Experience with modern networking protocols and scripting.
• Ability to manage and drive projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop and scale Starlink Network Operations processes.
• Collaborate with teams to solve technical issues.
• Ensure rapid incident response with minimal impact.

Skills

Python

SQL

Bash scripting

TCP/IPv4/IPv6

Network security

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a science discipline

Advanced degree in computer science or related field

Tools

WiFi technology

MPLS

BGP

Job description

Overview

SpaceX is building technologies to enable human life on Mars. Starlink provides fast, reliable internet to millions of users globally and aims to extend its reach into new markets with improved system performance and growth potential.

As a Network Operations Engineer, you will engineer the operational systems and processes to support the Starlink Network as it scales to millions of users around the world. You will create tools, technology, and processes to maintain, operate and evolve the network, collaborating with subsystem responsible engineers, software engineers, guidance navigation and control engineers, and network engineers to develop alerts, mitigations, and upgrades to orbital and terrestrial assets. You will drive continuous improvement and automation, and manage the complete lifecycle of your projects including development, testing, deployment, and support.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and scale Starlink Network Operations processes and tools to provide global internet access
• Collaborate with development teams to drive design for operations, solve technical issues, and incorporate debugging tools and strategies into NetOps processes
• Own and protect the overall Starlink customer experience, advocating for fast problem resolution with cross-functional teams
• Engage stakeholders to identify outcomes, incorporate inputs, and deliver improvements to Network Operations processes
• Ensure network incident response processes are rapid, organized, and minimize customer impact
• Develop monitoring, alerting and triage processes with diverse teams to drive quick resolution of emerging problems
• Define projects, milestones, and roadmaps, balancing priorities to deliver program directives
• Take ownership of deliverables and make risk-conscious decisions under pressure

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development, system administration, site reliability, or network operations center work
• Experience with Python, SQL, and/or bash scripting
• Experience with modern networking protocols (TCP/IPv4/IPv6, voice, video, broadcast, streaming)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, math, or a science discipline
• 2+ years of experience developing software, processes, or projects in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment and ability to run projects independently
• Understanding of service provider and home networks technologies including but not limited to
  • Connectivity (Ethernet, WiFi, WDM, IPv4 and IPv6)
  • Switching (MPLS, QinQ)
  • Routing (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS)
  • Subscriber Management (BNG, RADIUS/AAA, QoS, BSS/OSS integration)
  • Network security and Anti-DDoS measures
  • Internet services (DNS, DHCP, NTP, UPnP, NAT)
  • Knowledge of common consumer devices (NAS, IoT, Smart devices)
  • Residential or enterprise WiFi design and remote troubleshooting
• Residential or business customer interaction experience, customer support preferred
• Experience creating documentation and procedures from scratch
• Experience working within complex SDN/NFV environments
• Current associate level or higher industry networking certification (JNCIA, CCNA or equivalent)

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to participate in on-call rotation to support critical operations as needed

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range:

• Level 1: $105,000 - $122,500
• Level 2: $120,000 - $150,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, education, and experience. Base salary is one part of a total rewards package including potential stock or long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and stock purchase opportunities. Benefits may include medical, vision, dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, vacation, holidays, and other perks. SpaceX offers transportation solutions for certain locations.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other legally protected status. Applicants may request reasonable accommodations during the application process by contacting [e-mail].