Sr. Site Reliability Engineer (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Hawthorne (CA); 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

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Senior Site Reliability Engineer to develop automation for deploying and managing resources in cloud and on-premises environments. This role requires significant experience with Linux and Kubernetes, as well as strong scripting skills in Python and Bash.

The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with software engineers to refine service lifecycles, ensuring reliability and security across applications. The position offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to impact groundbreaking technologies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience with Linux operating systems.
• Experience in Bash, Python, and other scripting languages.
• 5+ years of experience with Kubernetes.

Responsibilities

• Develop automation to deploy and manage compute resources.
• Deploy core infrastructure such as databases and monitoring.
• Collaborate with software engineers to create scalable, maintainable products.

Skills

Kubernetes

Linux operating systems

Python

Bash

Terraform

Ansible

Networking (TCP/IP)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems/IT, or engineering discipline

Tools

Kubernetes clusters management

Continuous integration and deployment

Job description

Sr. Site Reliability Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

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.

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. SpaceX’s satellite programs are pushing the boundaries of in‑space capabilities. Our missions support scientific research, classified national security space and commercial opportunities. Software engineering and innovation is at the core of these programs.

The satellite software 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. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here – we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we’re looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers.

Our team is involved in designing the vehicle systems at every phase of development. We build tools that enable us to work more efficiently, and that help us build software systems that are secure, reliable, and autonomous. Our software engineers are responsible for the life cycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and operational support.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop automation to deploy and manage compute resources both on‑premises and in the cloud
• Deploy and manage core infrastructure such as databases, monitoring and storage
• Closely collaborate with software engineers to create highly scalable, operable and maintainable products
• Engage in and improve the whole lifecycle of services – from inception and design, through deployment, operation and refinement

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems/IT, or an engineering discipline and 5+ years of professional experience with Linux operating systems; OR 7+ years of professional experience in software, DevOps, or site reliability engineering in lieu of a degree
• 5+ years of experience with Kubernetes
• 5+ years of experience with Linux operating systems
• Experience in Bash, Python, and/or other scripting languages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of experience with Python and Python‑based development frameworks
• Experience managing Kubernetes clusters, not just using them
• Knowledge of Linux boot process and systems configuration
• Deep understanding of testing, continuous integration, build, deployment & continuous monitoring
• Understanding of relevant build technologies, such as Bazel and Makefiles
• Focus on performance bottlenecks and performance improvement techniques
• Understanding of distributed databases and data modeling
• Experience with automatically managing dozens, hundreds, or thousands of servers (e.g., Terraform or Ansible)
• Strong networking knowledge of TCP/IP
• Excellent communications skills with the ability to communicate with customers, peers, management etc. in both formal and informal situations
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• Position requires obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment

SECURITY & CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), 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
• Must obtain Top Secret clearance; failure to obtain clearance may result in modification or termination of employment

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

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

Base salary is just one part of the total rewards package. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives (company stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, and 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 other discounts and perks. You may accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and are eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

EEO & Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s affirmative action plan or requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [e-mail].