Sr. IT Network Engineer (Top Secret Clearance)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 21, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 1, 2026. SpaceX scores A on the Alion truth index.
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.
SR. IT NETWORK ENGINEER - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE
SpaceX is looking for an experienced senior network engineer to drive the build, deployment, and operation of classified IT networks which support critical national security missions. This position will own the network design and be responsible for proposing and implementing continual improvements to add more capabilities and customers. This position is also responsible for monitoring and improving network security, improving network performance and reliability, and optimizing network deployments.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of classified networks
- Lead network integration and troubleshooting efforts
- Improve network performance and reliability using system performance metrics, including capacity planning, failure detection, and remediation
- Support capacity augmentation and network optimization deployments
- Assist with system configuration updates and firmware management
- Configure, install, and support campus and data center networks
- Support the deployment of network access control (NAC) using 802.1X
- Build automation for network devices, operational processes, and deployment tools
- Develop and enforce network policies and standards
- Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or other STEM discipline and 7+ years of professional network engineering experience; OR 10+ years of professional network engineering experience in lieu of a degree
- 1+ year of networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions and/or cloud and web-scale networks
- Layer-1 experience (e.g., transport, DWDM, optical fiber, circuit troubleshooting, activations, etc.)
- Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Hands-on experience with the deployment of networking hardware (routers, modems, switches, firewalls, etc..)
- Expert understanding of the OSI model and network standards
- Experience with physical troubleshooting of fiber and circuits
- Hands on experience with the following:
- Cisco Catalyst and Arista data center class switches
- Network Access Control (NAC) using 802.1X
- DNS, DHCP, SNMP, IP helpers, ARP, CDP, LLDP
- BGP routing
- Switch port security features
- Network monitoring tools
- Network documentation
- Linux/Windows system administration
- Experience with Python scripting
- Cisco, Juniper, Arista or other industry certification
- Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Active Top Secret or TS/SCI with Polygraph. 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
- Must be willing to do some travel domestically and globally (<10%) in the future as needed
- Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- Must be available for on-call rotations
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $155,000.00 - $215,000.00
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 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
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].