Sr. Hardware / Infrastructure Site Reliability Engineer (Starlink)

As a Sr. Hardware / Infrastructure Site Reliability Engineer at SpaceX, your responsibilities will include developing automation for deploying and managing on-premise compute resources, managing core infrastructure such as databases and distributed storage systems, and closely collaborating with software engineers to ensure the scalability and maintainability of products. This role also requires you to engage in the complete lifecycle of hardware from design through to operation and retirement.

To qualify for the Sr. Hardware / Infrastructure Site Reliability Engineer position at SpaceX, you should have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related engineering discipline with at least 5 years of professional experience in systems administration or site reliability engineering. Alternatively, 7+ years of relevant professional experience can substitute for the degree requirement. Familiarity with Linux, containerization technologies like Docker, and scripting languages such as Python or Bash is also necessary.

Having strong skills in Python, an understanding of operating systems, and experience with virtualization technologies can enhance your application for the Sr. Hardware / Infrastructure Site Reliability Engineer role at SpaceX. Additionally, proficiency in tools like Terraform and Ansible, along with knowledge of networking protocols like TCP/IP, will make your application stand out.

A Sr. Hardware / Infrastructure Site Reliability Engineer at SpaceX will work on a variety of exciting projects to enhance the Starlink experience. This includes developing automation tools for infrastructure management, troubleshooting issues across the Starlink stack, and collaborating on software and infrastructure improvements. By innovating solutions for high developer velocity, you will contribute directly to maximizing Starlink's global impact.

The work environment at SpaceX for a Sr. Hardware / Infrastructure Site Reliability Engineer is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration. You'll engage with talented teams, tackle challenging problems, and have the chance to make a significant impact on the way we provide internet access globally. SpaceX values innovation, and you'll be encouraged to think outside the box while working on cutting-edge technology.

When answering this question, you should share specific examples of the automation tools you've used, such as Terraform or Ansible. Discuss the processes you’ve automated and how it improved efficiency or scalability. Highlight any metrics that demonstrate the success of your automation efforts.

Be prepared to discuss specific challenges, such as scaling infrastructure, resolving system outages, or improving deployment processes. Use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format to articulate how you addressed these challenges and what the outcomes were.

To ensure high availability, it's essential to discuss strategies like load balancing, redundancy, and failover mechanisms. Explain the monitoring techniques and tools you use to stay proactive in addressing potential issues and minimizing downtime.

Emphasize that containerization helps achieve consistency across development and production environments. Discuss how tools like Docker and Kubernetes facilitate scalability and operational efficiency, allowing for microservices architecture and quicker rollouts of new features.

List the specific scripting languages you’re proficient in, such as Python or Bash. Describe projects where you’ve implemented scripts for automation, data processing, or system monitoring, and emphasize the impact these scripts had on the project or team.

Highlight your familiarity with Linux operating systems, touching upon your experience with system administration, troubleshooting, and scripting in Linux. Specific examples that showcase your deeper understanding of the Linux boot process and configurations will also provide a strong response.

Discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment, which might include regular meetings, code reviews, and sharing knowledge. Highlight examples of successful partnerships with software teams that led to improved projects and operational outcomes.

Mention the specific tools you prefer for system monitoring, such as Nagios, Prometheus, or Grafana. Discuss how you leverage these tools to identify performance bottlenecks and how monitoring drives critical decision-making in your infrastructure management.

Illustrate your experience with CI/CD workflows, and name specific tools you've worked with, such as Jenkins or GitLab. Share how you've implemented these practices to increase code quality and streamline deployment processes.

In your response, reflect on your passion for problem-solving, optimizing infrastructure, and the excitement of working in fast-paced environments like SpaceX. Emphasizing your desire to contribute to innovative projects will further illustrate your commitment to the role.