Sr. IT Systems Engineer

As a Sr. IT Systems Engineer at SpaceX, your primary responsibilities include collaborating with engineers to gather requirements, designing and deploying Linux-based software platforms, and ensuring high availability and performance of these systems. You will also be responsible for driving automation solutions, implementing best practices for systems design, and troubleshooting issues effectively to support various engineering teams.

To apply for the Sr. IT Systems Engineer position at SpaceX, you should have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, or at least 8 years of systems engineering experience without a degree. Additionally, experience with Linux servers in both physical and virtual environments, strong scripting skills in languages like Bash and Python, and knowledge of automation tools are essential.

At SpaceX, we prefer candidates who have expertise in creating reliable and scalable system architectures, along with experience configuring and managing Linux-based systems and open-source technologies such as Apache and NGINX. Familiarity with centralized logging solutions like ELK, configuration management tools, and infrastructure as code concepts is also highly valued.

The work environment for a Sr. IT Systems Engineer at SpaceX is fast-paced and collaborative, ideal for self-starters who thrive under pressure. You will work closely with a diverse set of teams and have the opportunity to engage in creative problem-solving, all while contributing to groundbreaking projects that support SpaceX's mission to make life interplanetary.

Sr. IT Systems Engineers at SpaceX enjoy a competitive salary ranging from $135,000 to $180,000 per year, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid parental leave, and generous vacation days. You may also have access to employee stock options and other perks that enhance your overall compensation.

In the interview, emphasize your hands-on experience managing and troubleshooting Linux servers. Talk about specific projects or challenges you've faced and how you've implemented solutions to improve system performance and reliability.

Share examples of automation scripts you've developed using languages like Bash or Python. Discuss the problems these scripts solved, how they improved workflows, and your process for identifying opportunities for automation in systems engineering.

Use the STAR method to outline your experience. Discuss the situation, your specific contributions, and the outcome. Highlight your communication and teamwork skills, which are essential for a Sr. IT Systems Engineer at SpaceX.

Discuss your understanding of change control methodologies. Describe your process for documenting changes, evaluating risks, and communicating with relevant stakeholders to ensure system stability and reliability.

Detail your experience with specific open-source technologies relevant to the Sr. IT Systems Engineer role, such as Apache, NGINX, or Docker. Discuss any projects where you've implemented these technologies and the benefits they provided.

Explain your approach to designing systems, including best practices for performance tuning and fault tolerance. You can mention the importance of monitoring metrics, load testing, and building in redundancy.

Talk about your experience with logging solutions like ELK or similar tools. Provide specific examples of how these tools enhanced your ability to monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues.

Share your experience with sensitive systems, focusing on security protocols you implemented and challenges you faced. Emphasize your attention to detail and urgency in handling these responsibilities.

Reflect on your passion for technology and space exploration. Share your excitement about being part of a pioneering mission and how your skills align with SpaceX’s vision of making life multi-planetary.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning through resources like online courses, tech conferences, and community forums. Share any certifications or active participation in relevant tech communities to demonstrate your dedication to professional growth.