We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead the development and maintenance of customer-facing applications and API services that support Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data workflows. This role is central to enabling users to assess, request, schedule, and receive SAR data through intuitive digital platforms. You will work across the full stack, building robust systems that power both public websites and RESTful APIs.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain scalable web applications and backend services that support SAR data feasibility analysis, tasking, and delivery.
- Collaborate with product and engineering teams to define architecture and deliver reliable, secure, and well-documented software solutions.
- Guide peers through technical mentorship, code reviews, and coaching, helping to raise the overall engineering standard.
- Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality features with a strong focus on user experience and client needs.
- Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to critical system incidents outside regular business hours.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a related field and bring at least five years of professional software development experience. Essential skills include:
- Proven experience building highly available web services using Python and developing commercial applications with NodeJS and React.
- Strong background in designing, testing, and documenting RESTful APIs and customer-facing web platforms.
- Familiarity with relational databases, particularly Postgres, and experience building database-driven applications.
- Working knowledge of Git, AWS, infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform or OpenTofu, containerization with Docker, and orchestration via Kubernetes.
- Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
- Understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals and secure coding practices.
- Ability to contribute to software architecture discussions and apply principles of microservices and event-driven design.
Preferred Background
- Eight or more years of software engineering experience.
- Direct experience supporting customer-facing software in production environments.
- Knowledge of UI/UX design principles and user-centered development.
- Exposure to the space or geospatial industry, including GIS applications, STAC, or imagery catalog APIs.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset, with a commitment to continuous learning.
Work Environment
This is a hybrid role with options to work from Santa Barbara/Goleta, CA, or Arlington, VA, with a future office location in Reston, VA. The company fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on advancing space technology for national security, disaster response, and scientific discovery.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation ranges from $145,000 to $175,000, based on experience. The position includes stock options and a 3% non-elective employer contribution to a 401k plan. Additional benefits include employer-funded medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as voluntary supplemental coverage options. Employees also receive flexible time off, family and medical leave, free parking, and daily lunch in the office.
Commitment to Inclusion
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
