Sr. Network Engineer (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation (3 weeks) and sick leave

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking a Sr. Network Engineer for their Starshield project. This role involves managing and deploying the network supporting national security missions, focusing on performance and security improvements.

Ideal candidates should have a strong networking background with the ability to work collaboratively in a team. Competitive compensation includes a salary range from $165,000 to $230,000, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience deploying enterprise network solutions or 7+ years without a degree.
• Hands-on experience with hardware deployment at datacenters.

Responsibilities

• Manage and expand network interconnections and co-location sites.
• Improve network performance based on system metrics.
• Collaborate with engineers to enhance network design.

Skills

Networking experience

Cloud and web-scale networks

Hardware deployment

Network security functions

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering discipline or equivalent experience

Tools

Networking devices (switches, routers, firewalls)

Cisco certification

Juniper certification

Arista certification

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. NETWORK ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The Starshield team is building highly reliable in‑space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next‑gen communication and sensing software, and more.

As a Sr. Network Engineer you will drive the operation, build and deployment of the Starshield service provider network, which supports critical national security missions. You and your teammates will own the network design and be responsible for proposing and implementing continual improvements to add more capabilities and customers. You will also be responsible for monitoring and improving network security, improving network performance and reliability, and optimizing network deployments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and expand network interconnections, network co‑location sites and points of presence (POPs)
• Manage network infrastructure and deployments to Top Secret datacenters
• Improve network performance and reliability based upon system performance metrics, including capacity planning, failure detection and remediation
• Assist in capacity augmentation and network optimization deployments
• Lead network integration and troubleshooting efforts
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and network engineers to improve the Starshield network design
• Assist in updating system configuration and firmware
• Build automation for network devices, operational and deployment tools
• Mentor and train junior network engineers

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or engineering discipline AND 5+ years of professional networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions or cloud and web‑scale networks; OR 7+ years of professional networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions or cloud and web‑scale networks in lieu of a degree
• Hands‑on experience with the build‑out and deployment of hardware at datacenters and interacting with datacenters (e.g., remote hands, cross‑connect execution, etc.)
• Experience bringing up switches, routers, firewalls and servers

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in a technical or engineering discipline
• Experience with physical troubleshooting of fiber & circuits
• Deep understanding of service provider networks including but not limited to:
  • Connectivity (Ethernet, IPv4, IPv6 and MPLS)
  • Routing (BGP, OSPF, IS‑IS)
  • Switching and routing
  • Internet services (subscriber provisioning, BRAS, DNS, DHCP, NTP)
• Experience implementing network security functions
• Cisco, Juniper, Arista or other industry certification
• Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
• Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. The clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, but it must be obtained promptly upon accepting the offer. Failure to obtain the clearance may result in modification or termination of employment.
• Must be willing to travel domestically and globally as needed
• Must be available for on‑call rotations
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:
Level 3: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00

Base salary is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base pay, you may be eligible for long‑term incentives (company stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various discounts and perks. Paid vacation is 3 weeks, with eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Paid sick leave is accrued according to Company policy, satisfying or exceeding statutory requirements.

To comply with 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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.