IT Network Infrastructure Engineer, Launch
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Key details
Why this role is notable
SpaceX is treating a Starship launch pad as an airport-style, high-cadence operation and staffing it with bespoke, launch-hardened network infrastructure engineers, signaling how much of its rocket program now depends on ground-side IT that must survive extreme launch environments.
Job Description
SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
IT NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEER, LAUNCH
As a Network Infrastructure Engineer at SpaceX, you will work in a complex environment designing and supporting a variety of IT systems critical for Starship launch pads. This position will require you to design, install, and maintain the physical cabling, network hardware, on-premises compute, electrical enclosures, and data center environments that together make up our mission critical control networks. You will work directly with the launch automations & controls teams to provide reliable and robust connectivity to their critical control systems. The fiber and copper data network cabling that you will design must survive extreme launch environments to carry operational voice, video, vehicle/payload commanding, ground support equipment telemetry, and the rest of the data needed to launch Starship in high-cadence, airport-like operations to enable life beyond Earth.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Be an extreme owner of network infrastructure including product selection, procurement, configuration, install, and troubleshooting
- Monitor network health, troubleshooting, and determining root cause of system issues as they arise
- Perform job walks with customers, vendors, and contractors to gather requirements and create project implementation plans
- Closely collaborate with stakeholders and engineers across programs to create highly operable, scalable, and maintainable products
- Continuously create and innovate to build solutions for unique layer1 challenges
- Participate in the day-to-day operation of IT systems, ensuring seamless functionality and reliability during critical launch windows
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other STEM discipline and 5+ years of experience designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining system-level communication architectures, OR 7+ years of experience designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining system-level communication architectures in lieu of a degree
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Ability to prioritize multiple concurrent competing projects effectively and incorporate significant design changes quickly
- Project management skills including schedule development, writing scopes of work, reading construction drawings, and creating specification documents
- Experience supervising crews of technicians/contractors to execute implementation of your designs
- Experience with configuration and operation of TCP/IP based communication equipment
- Knowledge of industry standards (BICSI, NEC, TIA/EIA), fiber optic cabling types (MM, SM) for interior and exterior usage, copper ethernet cabling types (CAT5, CAT6, CAT6A)
- Understanding of code requirements and fire protection specifications for cable pathways such as tray and conduit, especially in hazardous rated locations
- Motivation to oversee projects from early design through build and closeout
- Keen attention to detail and dedication to thorough documentation
- Proficient with CAD and/or electrical schematics software
- Confidence to present designs and clearly articulate project goals for review by internal and external stakeholders
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work in tight quarters and at height
- Must be willing to work long hours and weekends when necessary to support launches and critical path project timelines. Flexibility is required
- Availability for occasional travel to other launch sites
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
