Sr. Backend Engineer - Space Command and Control

Job Posted 2/5/2025

Sphinx Defense

Colorado Springs, CO

United States

Category Information Technology

Job Description

ABOUT SPHINX

Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.

We're focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Sphinx is hiring a Senior Backend Engineer to join our Space Communications team building a command and control platform for US government satellites. As a Senior Backend Engineer you will lead the development of core features of Sphinx's Command and Control(C2) platform, designing and building technology to support the operations of a wide variety of US Government satellites. You will work as both an individual contributor and a Space C2 subject matter expert, mentoring other software engineers at Sphinx.

We're looking for a track record of the following:

Building space C2 systems such as mission planning, TT&C (Tracking, Telemetry and Commanding), ground resources management, and mission data processing services
Building multi-tenant services on public cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP
Developing and consuming APIs and services as part of platform ecosystem
Developing with an emphasis on automation and security
Willingness to own a technical problem end-to-end
A habit of self-directed learning of new technologies
The ability to work well with a team
The ability to communicate clearly

You might be a good fit if:

You have 3+ years of experience in the Space Command and Control domain (with SatCom experience a plus)
You can demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a Space C2 system you helped build from the ground upYou have 5+ years' of progressively responsible software engineering experience
You have extensive experience with Python, FastAPI, postgres, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform
You have experience architecting and building APIs and backend services
You can demonstrate in-depth knowledge of at least one commercial cloud platform and its associated services
Are comfortable working with some ambiguity and able to self-direct your work
You've made enough mistakes and booked enough wins to know what not to build and know what good looks like

LOCATION

This role will be located in Colorado Springs, CO with the potential for travel such as client visits, company gatherings, and other project related travel as needed may be required.

COMPENSATION

This role is between $160,000 - $185,000 base salary.

BENEFITS

Compensation includes competitive salary, meaningful equity ownership, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, and 100% employer covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.

At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.

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.