Data Engineer, Ground Network Engineering (Gateway)
SpaceX is hiring a Data Engineer, Ground Network Engineering (Gateway). It pays $125k-$165k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on SpaceX.
Level's read on this job
- Level rates this data engineer role Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
- The posting mentions ERP, Mrp and data engineering among its tools and skills.
- Level classes it as a mid-level role.
- SpaceX has 2,800+ other open roles on Level.
AI in this role
Own software systems, data pipelines, and forecasting models to optimize global Starlink ground network logistics and supply chain.
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.
DATA ENGINEER, GROUND NETWORK ENGINEERING (GATEWAY)
This hybrid role sits at the intersection of data engineering, supply chain, and infrastructure operations to support the global deployment and critical operational reliability of Starlink’s ground network. As we continue to scale, the Data Engineer will own the software systems, data pipelines, forecasting models, and logistics execution needed to make deploying and maintaining Starlink infrastructure around the world fast, predictable, and reliable.This is not just a data role or an operations role, this is the person who will help us build a smarter, more automated, and more resilient global infrastructure system through software and data.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own end-to-end workflow deployment and optimization of Starlink Ground Network processes
- Develop and automate systems to optimize antenna, optical hardware, and critical spare part flow through inventory and logistics accounting for inventory stock levels, telemetry data, and predictive failure models
- Build and maintain forecasting engines to predict hardware demand from deployment planning, team and program targets
- Architect backend services, APIs, and workflows to integrate planning, logistics, and inventory systems (Warpdrive ERP/MRP, 3rd party logistics service provider’s APIs)
- Automate supply chain processes, including inventory syncs, order creation, kitting, shipment validation, and spares replenishment
- Refactor and scale data ingestion and delivery systems to handle increased deployment volume and geographic expansion
- Create tools and dashboards to track real-time metrics on shipments, inventory, deployment timelines, and reliability
- Identify and resolve inefficiencies in material flow and logistics, developing standardized processes and key performance indicators
- Develop and monitor performance metrics for build, deployment, and ongoing maintenance/reliability of the Ground Network hardware fleet (antennas, network/optical devices
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate engineering needs into system requirements and drive adoption
- Support emergency deployments and incident response by managing critical operational and data workflows
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field
- Experience in Python or SQL
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience with inventory systems, logistics workflows, and/or supply chain tooling
- Proficient in C#, C++, or Angular
- Basic understanding of Kubernetes concepts, including pods, services, deployments, and namespaces
- Prior success in delivering strong data visualizations using tools such as PowerBI, Grafana, Metabase or other real-time metrics systems
- Experience building backend services using APIs (Celery, FastAPI, Django, or similar frameworks) and system-to-system data exchange in logistics and supply chain environments
- Proven track record developing custom forecasting tools and planning logic
- Knowledge of MRP/ERP, WMS, or other supply chain systems
- Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working in ambiguous environments with evolving requirements
- Excellent communication and cross-functional program management skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to work extended hours or weekends to meet deployment deadlines
- Must be available to travel up to 25% to support site launches, FSL integrations, or incident response
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $165,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $200,000.00
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 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
How we rate this
Data Engineer, Ground Network Engineering (Gateway) at SpaceX rates 20 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Little AI. AI is not part of the work.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
Prepare for this job
Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.
Skills and AI tools this role asks for
Also common in data engineer jobs at this level
Pay
- This job starts at
- $125k
- Typical data engineer job
- $146k
This posting starts 14% below the typical data engineer job. See data engineer jobs
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where data engineering was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where pipelines was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where forecasting was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where supply chain optimization was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where automation was part of your work. What did you do?
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Data Engineering, Pipelines, Forecasting, Supply Chain Optimization, and Automation. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
- Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Want an expert to read your CV for this job?
Free. Send your CV and the role you want next. You get your review by email within 24 hours.
Get new data engineer jobs by email
One email a week with the new data engineer jobs, each rated for how much AI is in the work. No recruiter spam, unsubscribe in one click.
Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe in one click.
Similar roles
Data roles that involve little AI, at other companies.
What kind of AI work fits you?
Answer 12 practical questions in about three minutes. Get a simple profile, the work it points to, and live roles to explore next.
Find my next step