Senior Backend Software Engineer

Spire

$130K — $171K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in professional software development
  • Proven experience with production-grade software using a compiled language
  • Proficient in Python or similar high-level languages
  • Familiar with Linux-based development environments
  • Strong documentation and communication skills
  • Systems-level thinking with a focus on scalability and distribution
  • Hands-on experience with Cloud Platforms like AWS and CI/CD pipelines

Responsibilities

  • Develop and enhance satellite applications for file transfer
  • Design and implement next-gen File Transfer architecture using Rust
  • Ensure compliance with security standards for file transfer services
  • Improve observability and fault-tolerance of existing services
  • Hold responsibility for critical file transfer performance
  • Design systems for high availability meeting customer mission demands
  • Conduct ground testing and in-orbit verification of software services
  • Collaborate with communication teams and product owners for system integration
  • Create documentation for APIs and system architecture
  • Implement solutions for service performance observability

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model requiring at least three days in the office
  • Access to US export-controlled software and technology with necessary licensing arranged by Spire if needed
  • Employee benefits program including vacation, sick, and personal leave
  • Optional health benefits covering medical, dental, and vision
  • 401(K) plan and health/wellness reimbursement program
  • Participation in Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Generous time off policy and education assistance program
  • Unique perks like satellite naming program and launch attendance
Full Job Description
The Role:

Due to team growth, we are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join our Sat OS team, which develops the high-level operating system and file transfer layer for the spacecraft

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing software for our satellite systems, contributing to the expansion and enhancement of our space and ground-based data transfer capabilities. Ideal candidates will embrace the commercialization of nanosatellite systems and adapt to low-cost, fast-paced systems design, development, and implementation methodologies that set Spire apart from our competition. In this fast-paced environment, the design to launch cycle is measured in weeks and months, not years!

What You'll Do as a Sat OS Software Engineer:
  • Develop and enhance satellite-side applications with a focus on file transfer to and from the satellite and its payloads
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of the next generation of Spire's File Transfer architecture (Rust)
  • Ensure that Spire's file transfer services meet internal and mission-driven security standards
  • Enhance observability and fault-tolerance of Spire's file transfer services
  • Take responsibility for the performance of critical file transfer services that contribute to the movement of data to and from Spire's entire fleet of nanosatellites
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of highly available, fault-tolerant systems to meet the demands of new customer missions
  • Perform ground-based testing and in-orbit verification of new software services
  • Coordinate closely with Spire's communications team, systems engineering, product owners, and internal customers to ensure alignment and optimal integration with interfacing hardware and software services
  • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for APIs and system architectures
  • Implement observability solutions for space and ground-based services to provide a clear and actionable view of service performance

Basic Skills/Qualifications:
  • 5+ years' experience in professional software development
  • Proven experience in production-grade software development using at least one compiled language
  • Proficiency in Python or equivalent high-level language
  • Knowledge of Linux-based development
  • Excellent documentation, collaboration, and communication skills
  • Systems-level thinking (distributed, scalable, highly available) with an appetite for creating and adapting applications
  • Hands-on experience with Cloud Computing Platforms (AWS), IaC and modern CI/CD pipelines
  • Knowledge of version control systems

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:
  • Proficiency in Python and Rust
  • Experience working under regulatory frameworks such as NIST and FAR
  • Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and platforms such as Wiz
  • Experience with operating a live, highly available critical system at scale
  • Experience writing applications between L3 and L7 networking layers and familiarity with L2/L3 protocols
  • Experience with modern AI development tooling
  • Proficiency in scripting languages like Bash

This role is primarily backend and platform focused. We are generally looking for engineers with stronger backend and systems experience rather than heavily frontend-focused backgrounds.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses-this is not something candidates need to have before applying. #LI-MK1

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Final base salary for this role will be based on the location, skills, experience and qualifications. In addition to base compensation, this role is eligible for commissions and annual equity awards. This role is also eligible for our employee benefits program, including vacation, sick, and personal time off; optional medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; a 401(K) plan; health and wellness reimbursement program; and participation in Spire's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Base Salary Range

$130,000-$171,000 USD

Global Perks

Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
Launch Attendance
Generous Time Off Policy
Education Assistance Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
Family Leave
Fitness Reimbursement
♥ Employee Referral Program
Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

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