Site Reliability Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

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.

SITE RELIABILITY ENGINEER - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE

As a Site Reliability Engineer, you will design, develop, and test key aspects of an in-house solution for analysis, simulation, and prototyping of software in support of all SpaceX flight systems. You will have full ownership of new features in the automation and technical infrastructure to support scalable high-performance web applications in addition to a suite of simulation and emulation products. This is a high-impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build a high-throughput distributed system used to develop and demonstrate cutting-edge software and hardware. SpaceX is looking for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic Environments, and care about software best practices. Our application software is critical to future mission success and we have no shortage of interesting challenges that require innovative, cutting-edge solutions.

Our application software is critical to future mission success and we have no shortage of interesting challenges that require innovative, cutting-edge solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop automation to deploy and manage applications both on-premises and in the cloud
• Deploy and manage core infrastructure technologies such as applications servers, databases, messaging queues and storage
• Install, manage, scale and optimize Kubernetes and RKE clusters using Ansible and adjacent technologies in production environments
• Closely collaborate with software engineers to create highly scalable, operable and maintainable products
• Closely collaborate with IT and software engineers to develop test automation suite leveraging DevOps infrastructure
• Engage in and improve the whole lifecycle of services -- from inception and design, through deployment, operation and refinement
• Work closely with other SpaceX engineers to gather requirements, research, evaluate, design, plan, deploy, and support software platforms and related technologies running in Kubernetes within a world-class environment that meets the needs of the demanding SpaceX engineering teams
• Build highly resilient, high-performance, scalable, and robust systems
• Exercise a high degree of personal responsibility for the processes, systems, and tools you create and manage; all supporting the goal of making humanity a multiplanetary species

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or an engineering discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software, DevOps, or site reliability engineering in lieu of a degree
• 1+ year of experience with Linux operating systems
• Experience in Bash, Python, or other scripting languages
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 1+ years of systems administration, site reliability engineering, or DevOps experience
• Experience with containerization technologies (i.e. Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience with the Linux shell as well as configuring and extending Linux instances (e.g. kernel modules, Control Groups, Public Key Infrastructure, iptables, interfaces).
• 1+ years of experience with Python and Python-based development frameworks
• Strong understanding of Kubernetes, Docker, or similar technologies
• Strong understanding of message queue technologies such as RabbitMQ or Kafka
• Strong understanding of virtualization and hypervisor technologies
• Understanding of databases and performance tuning
• Experience with identity management and authentication protocols
• Focus on performance bottlenecks and performance improvement techniques
• Excellent communications skills with the ability to communicate with customers, peers, management etc. in both formal and informal situations
• Ability to quickly learn new tools and frameworks
• Experience with dynamic system configuration templating using Jinja, YAML and Helm

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
• Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

Pay Range:
Site Reliability Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Site Reliability Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $15,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to the Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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.