Ground Network Specialist (Starlink)

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.

GROUND NETWORK SPECIALIST (STARLINK)

SpaceX is designing, building, and deploying the world’s largest network of ground station antennas - the Starlink gateways. Through our gateways, the Starlink satellite constellation is filling in the gaps in global connectivity. Want to help build the next era of Internet?

We are looking for creative and driven field specialists to solve issues affecting sites and antenna availability. You will become an expert in the hardware and operations of our gateways - just bring your love of cross-disciplinary problem solving! Specialists on this team are curious, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a fast-paced and cross-disciplinary team environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deploy, troubleshoot, and repair Starlink ground hardware as part of a close-knit team of exceptional engineers and specialists
• Travel internationally and domestically to resolve hardware issues affecting Starlink user service
• Diagnose failures within fiber optic circuits and execute repairs to bring system back to full operation
• Investigate and resolve issues with onsite commercial network and routing hardware
• Improve existing, and create new, training documentation for continuous improvement of team skills

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience as a mechanic or technician in an engineering field (e.g. telecom, internet service provider, etc.)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong knowledge of standard computer skills: MS Office, Visio, and web applications
• Meticulous attention to detail, standards, and documentation
• Ability to read, understand, and follow electrical/mechanical drawings and schematics
• Experience in cell tower and site construction or maintenance
• Experience with low earth orbit tracking antennas, stabilizers, or VSAT antennas
• Experience working with fiber optics; network and telephony installation; and/or AV installation, test, troubleshooting, and repair; using fiber optic test equipment (OTDR, OLS, OPM, VFL)
• Experience constructing IT/network racks (UPS, PDUs, cable management, servers, network devices)
• Experience with facilities and related infrastructure construction and maintenance (diesel/natural gas generators, DC battery banks, etc.)
• Experience installing, activating, or troubleshooting CWDM and/or DWDM using standard fiber equipment and testers
• Experience operating articulating boom lifts, forklifts, scissor lifts, and other work site machinery
• Experience with low voltage AC & DC power distribution; operational understanding of Ohm’s Law; and the ability to safely use a multi-meter
• Fluency in languages in addition to English

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to distinguish between different colors and possess manual dexterity to complete fine motor tasks
• Ability to travel as required; travel will be approximately 75% of the time to US or international gateway sites
• General physical fitness and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. is required for some tasks
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Ability to work at elevated heights
• Typically exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain

• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:          

Level 1: $34.00 - $40.00/hour     

Level 2: $38.00 - $45.00/hour     

Level 3: $42.00 - $51.00/hour       

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.

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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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  [email protected].