Network Infrastructure Engineer, Gateway (Starlink)

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.

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEER, GATEWAY (STARLINK)

Starlink believes in providing fast, reliable internet to serve populations with little or no connectivity today. To do this, we are deploying the world’s largest constellation of satellites supported by an extensive network of global terrestrial infrastructure.

We are looking for you to join the team responsible for the ‘backhaul’ of the Starlink network – which consists of antenna ground stations (gateways) and the fiber optic connectivity between them and Starlink Points of Presence.  You will be working cross-functionally with other network and gateway engineers as well as our business operations teams to plan our infrastructure expansion while developing strong international partnerships to rapidly and reliably implement those plans.

We are looking for people who excel at architecting reliable and high performing networks, can manage large projects, are ready to learn new things, and want to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment to deliver on projects with real global impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and manage activation of connectivity for Starlink’s antenna ground stations
• Iterate optical transport network and gateway site system configurations to drive better system-level reliability
• Produce tools, processes, and dashboards to increase visibility of key metrics for growth and performance of antenna sites and supporting connectivity infrastructure
• Create infrastructure development plans to establish ground station antenna sites that maximize the Starlink constellation effectivity and expand customer access
• Serve as the technical point of contact for negotiating technical aspects of supplier and service provider contracts
• Mentor and train gateway team engineers and analysts 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science discipline
• 2+ years of professional experience with planning, deployment, or maintenance of an optical network 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience investigating solutions offered by connectivity providers to contract reliable and economical wavelength/lambda services
• Experience designing, deploying, and operating a robust and diverse optical transport network 
• Experience with optical network analysis, planning, implementation, and monitoring tools and practice 
• Deep understanding of service provider networks including but not limited to: 
  • Data center and WAN connectivity
  • Optical link budget
  • Project management
  • Equipment Interoperability testing
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, communicate effectively, and work both independently and within a team
• Experience with any of the following is a bonus:
  • Producing outside plant (OSP) construction drawings or plans
  • Datacenter design
  • Sourcing, building, or activating cell tower or satellite antenna (teleport) sites
  • SQL, Matlab, Python, C++, or similar
  • Producing dashboards or analytical and statistical models (Ex: Tableau, PowerBI)
  • Understanding of IP networking fundamentals 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel to US or international ground station sites
• Must be willing to work long hours and occasional weekends when necessary to support launch and critical project timelines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:             

Pay range:          

Network Infrastructure Engineer/Level I: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year     

Network Infrastructure Engineer/Level II: $140,000.00 - $170,000.00/per year                    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks.