Shape the future of space-based systems by designing and maintaining backend infrastructure for autonomous satellite command and control. In this role, you'll develop scalable, secure services that ensure reliable communications and mission success. You’ll collaborate with engineering and operations teams to deliver robust solutions from concept to deployment.
What You'll Do
- Design and maintain high-availability backend systems that support satellite command, control, and data routing.
- Take shared responsibility for critical services to strengthen team resilience and reduce operational bottlenecks.
- Guide architectural decisions with a focus on long-term maintainability, observability, and fault tolerance.
- Work across disciplines to integrate platform, operations, and product requirements into cohesive solutions.
- Support system reliability through on-call participation and proactive performance monitoring.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.
- 5-8+ years building server-side applications, preferably in Python, with an emphasis on scalability and uptime.
- 3-5+ years designing and documenting RESTful APIs for commercial systems.
- Proven experience with microservices, event-driven architectures, and automated testing strategies.
- 2+ years implementing CI/CD pipelines for automated builds and testing.
- Hands-on experience with relational databases, particularly Postgres, and cloud platforms like AWS.
- Familiarity with containerization using Docker and orchestration via Kubernetes.
- Understanding of application security, identity management, and access control models.
- Ability to obtain and retain a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.
Nice to Have
- Background in aerospace or space systems development.
- Experience automating satellite or ground station operations.
- Work with geospatial data, STAC, or imagery-based APIs.
- Knowledge of infrastructure monitoring tools and best practices.
- API design experience using Swagger or OpenAPI specifications.
- Familiarity with Rust.
- An active security clearance.
Work Environment
This position supports a hybrid model and is available in Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA or Arlington/Reston, VA. Regular in-office presence is expected to support collaboration and mission alignment.
Benefits & Compensation
Eligible employees receive comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with life, short- and long-term disability insurance. Additional offerings include pet insurance, 401k with a 3% non-elective employer contribution, stock options, flexible time off, family and medical leave, and daily on-site lunch. U.S. citizenship is required for this role due to security clearance requirements.
