This role pays more than
76%
of similar roles. Most pay
$140,191–$215,000
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$215k
versus about
$178k
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
579 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$130,000–$165,000
across 419 roles with salary data.
Sr. Network Engineer, AI Infrastructure (Starshield) joins the Starshield team to manage, build, and deploy a data center network supporting critical national security missions. This role involves designing and productizing high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for large-scale AI clusters, while collaborating with machine learning teams to translate workload patterns into specific interconnect topologies and optical reconfigurability requirements. The engineer will be responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring reliability, implementing security functions, and building automation tools for network devices and deployment. Key technical competencies include experience with Layer-1 technologies like DWDM and fiber, as well as routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and VXLAN. Additionally, the role requires expertise in InfiniBand, NVLink, and NVIDIA GPU deployment stacks to solve complex networking challenges within a secure government-focused infrastructure environment involving high-scale compute resources.
What does a Network Engineer earn?
Median $145000 from 109 postings across 27 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 specific interconnect topologies and optical requirements.
Build automation tools for network devices, operations, and rapid deployment.
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 networking 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).