Sr. Network Engineer (Starshield) - job 1 of 3

As a Sr. Network Engineer at SpaceX, particularly within the Starshield team, your responsibilities will include managing and expanding network interconnections, handling deployments at top-secret data centers, and improving overall network performance. You will also lead network integrations, troubleshoot issues, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating across various engineering disciplines to enhance our national security capabilities.

To qualify as a Sr. Network Engineer at SpaceX, candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering field or possess extensive professional experience in networking (5+ years with a degree or 7+ years without). Ideally, applicants should have professional Layer-1 experience and familiarity with the deployment of enterprise network solutions, including hands-on experience with hardware in data centers.

Preferred skills for the Sr. Network Engineer position at SpaceX include advanced knowledge of service provider networks, experience with physical circuit troubleshooting, and an understanding of connectivity and routing protocols. Having a Master's degree in a related field and industry certifications from Cisco, Juniper, or Arista will also be advantageous.

In the role of Sr. Network Engineer at SpaceX, you should be prepared for on-call rotations that may require your immediate attention to maintain network integrity and performance. This could involve troubleshooting issues as they arise, ensuring that critical national security operations are uninterrupted and secure.

Yes, the Sr. Network Engineer position at SpaceX may require some domestic and international travel to support mission requirements. Candidates should be flexible and willing to travel, particularly when the need arises for specific project deployments or operational support.

In your response, focus on previous roles where you were tasked with designing and implementing network architectures. Highlight specific projects or technologies you've worked with, showing how you've addressed challenges and improved performance.

Discuss your methodology in implementing network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. Provide examples where your approach successfully mitigated risks or prevented issues.

Explain the systematic approaches you employ, such as using specific diagnostic tools, monitoring systems, or collaborating with teams to swiftly resolve problems. Offering an example of a successful troubleshooting experience will strengthen your response.

Mention key protocols relevant to the Sr. Network Engineer role, such as BGP, OSPF, or MPLS. You can share insights about how you've used these protocols in previous projects to optimize network performance and connectivity.

Share experiences where you guided junior engineers, discussing any particular mentorship programs or one-on-one training sessions you've conducted. Highlight the impact your mentorship had on their development and your contributions to the team.

Describe your involvement in deploying and managing cloud-based or web-scale networks, emphasizing key technologies you've worked with and any innovative solutions you've implemented to enhance performance and scalability.

Discuss your strategies for project management, such as using task management tools, setting deadlines, and effective communication with stakeholders. Provide an example where you successfully balanced multiple priorities while achieving project goals.

Provide a detailed account of a complex networking problem, outlining the steps you took to identify and rectify the issue. Highlight any collaboration with team members and the results of your actions.

Mention any specific automation tools or scripting languages (like Python) you are experienced with. Discuss examples of how you've utilized automation to streamline network operations or enhance system functionality.

Express your passion for the mission of SpaceX and the uniqueness of the Starshield project. Personalize your answer by reflecting on your alignment with the company's values and your eagerness to contribute to national security through innovative technology.