Software Infrastructure Engineer (Starlink) - job 1 of 2

As a Software Infrastructure Engineer at SpaceX, your key responsibilities include developing automation for deploying and managing on-premise compute resources, managing core infrastructure such as databases, and collaborating with software engineers to enhance product scalability and maintainability. You'll also engage in the service lifecycle, monitor performance, and troubleshoot across the entire Starlink stack, ensuring the highest level of service for our users.

To qualify for the Software Infrastructure Engineer position at SpaceX, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or an engineering discipline, along with at least 1 year of experience in systems administration, site reliability engineering, or DevOps. Alternatively, candidates with 3 or more years of relevant experience may apply without a degree. Proficiency with Linux operating systems, experience with infrastructure tools like Terraform and Ansible, and development skills in languages like Python or C++ are essential.

A Software Infrastructure Engineer contributes significantly to Starlink's global impact by designing and executing scalable infrastructure that provides fast and reliable internet to millions of users. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you'll ensure that systems operate efficiently, thus enhancing user experiences and enabling communities and businesses worldwide to benefit from advanced broadband connectivity.

Candidates for the Software Infrastructure Engineer role at SpaceX should be proficient in programming languages such as Bash and Python. Knowledge of C++ or C can also be beneficial. Familiarity with scripting languages is crucial for automating tasks and developing scalable software products that support our extensive infrastructure.

The work culture for a Software Infrastructure Engineer at SpaceX is vibrant, collaborative, and driven by innovation. You'll be part of a diverse team where every voice matters, and your contributions directly impact the success of the Starlink project. Expect to engage in continuous learning, tackle challenging projects, and foster a sense of camaraderie aimed at achieving extraordinary breakthroughs in connectivity technology.

In your response, highlight specific instances where you managed Linux-based systems, detailing your familiarity with system administration, performance tuning, and troubleshooting. Discuss any relevant projects that required deep knowledge of Linux environments and how that experience prepares you for the challenges at SpaceX.

You should provide examples of how tools like Terraform, Ansible, or others helped streamline deployment processes in your previous work. Discuss the impact of automation on efficiency and reliability in your projects and back up your claims with metrics or specific outcomes you've achieved.

Discuss your systematic approach to troubleshooting, including how you identify root causes and implement solutions. Mention the tools you use for monitoring and analysis, and provide an example of a challenging issue you've resolved in the past, emphasizing the results of your intervention.

In your answer, outline specific practices like code reviews, unit testing, integration testing, and continuous integration pipelines that you implement to enhance software quality. Discuss your experience with virtualized testing environments and the importance of establishing clear processes that maintain high reliability in production.

Share your expertise in deploying and managing applications using Docker and Kubernetes. Explain how you utilized these technologies to improve scalability, manage resources effectively, and enhance application performance. Highlight any projects where you were responsible for container orchestration, and the benefits that followed.

Provide a detailed example of a project where you utilized Python to solve a problem or enhance an application. Discuss the tools and frameworks you used, your thought process in designing the solution, and the resultant impact of your work on the project's success.

Focus on your organizational strategies, such as using project management tools, setting deadlines, and assessing project dependencies. Discuss how you communicate with team members when prioritizing tasks to ensure that all critical deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Talk about establishing clear deployment procedures, conducting thorough pre-deployment tests, and utilizing automated deployment tools to minimize downtime. Discuss your experience with monitoring post-deployment system performance to quickly address any issues that arise.

In your response, discuss the importance of performance metrics and monitoring tools in identifying bottlenecks. Mention specific strategies you've utilized, such as code refactoring, optimizing queries or caching mechanisms, and your approach to testing and validating improvements.

Emphasize the importance of teamwork in developing robust infrastructure and solutions. Share your experiences in collaborating across disciplines to gather requirements, share feedback, and implement solutions, illustrating how effective communication enhances project outcomes and drives innovative solutions.