This role pays more than
74%
of similar roles. Most pay
$138,385–$216,475
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$215k
versus about
$177k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About SpaceX
SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.
SpaceX currently has
704 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 465 roles with salary data.
Sr. Network Engineer, AI Infrastructure (Starshield) joins the Starshield team to manage, build, and deploy data center networks supporting critical national security missions involving earth observation and communications. This role involves designing and productizing high-speed copper and optical connectivity for large-scale AI clusters, collaborating with machine learning teams to translate workload patterns into interconnect topologies, and developing automation tools for rapid deployment. The position requires expertise in Layer-1 technologies including DWDM and fiber, as well as advanced networking protocols like BGP, OSPF, VXLAN, InfiniBand, and NVLink. Candidates must be proficient in managing routers, switches, and firewalls while optimizing network performance and security. The work focuses on solving complex infrastructure challenges for high-scale GPU deployments within a secure government context, requiring the ability to manage hardware, firmware updates, and team mentorship to ensure technical excellence.
What does a Network Engineer earn?
Median $145000 from 89 postings across 21 companies.
Manage network infrastructure and deployments for Top Secret data centers.
Design and productize high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for large-scale AI clusters.
Translate ML training workload patterns into interconnect topologies and optical reconfigurability requirements.
Build automation tools for network devices, operations, and deployment processes.
Improve network performance and reliability through capacity planning and failure remediation.
Lead network integration, troubleshooting efforts, and technical decision-making for the team.
Update system configurations and firmware to maintain optimal network health.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering discipline and 5+ years of professional networking experience, or 7+ years of experience without a degree.
5+ years of experience deploying enterprise network solutions and/or cloud and GPU networks.
Layer-1 experience including transport, DWDM, optical fiber, circuit troubleshooting, and activations.
Hands-on experience with the deployment of networking hardware such as routers, modems, switches, and firewalls.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance.
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.
Master's degree in a technical or engineering discipline (preferred).