Senior Software Engineer

Picogrid

$150K — $220K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
  • 7+ years of engineering experience in fast-paced, production environments with 5+ years in backend development using languages like Go, Java, Python, or TypeScript
  • Proven expertise in building microservice architectures, distributed systems, data pipelines, and platform tooling
  • Strong experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL), object stores (e.g., S3, MinIO), and geospatial tools
  • Deep understanding of HTTP APIs (REST, gRPC, GraphQL) and authentication/authorization models
  • History of working directly with customers to build and deliver meaningful software solutions
  • Ability to operate with urgency, ownership, and high engineering standards

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and deploy scalable backend systems powering critical defense missions
  • Architect and implement Legion, a vendor-neutral integration layer that unifies sensors, drones, and software systems
  • Develop microservices, APIs, data pipelines, and integration tools optimized for real-time, hybrid environments
  • Collaborate with end users to solve real operational challenges in mission-critical settings
  • Ensure system reliability, security, and seamless functioning across cloud, edge, and tactical environments
  • Operate with a sense of urgency and full ownership from concept through delivery

Benefits

  • Work on high-impact projects at the intersection of autonomy, national security, and cutting-edge technology
  • Join an elite, small team trusted to deliver rapidly deployable, mission-critical capabilities
  • Collaborate directly with military operators, defense technology companies, and federal agencies in challenging, real-world environments
Full Job Description
About the role

Picogrid is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our Legion Platform team. You will design, build, and deploy high-performance, scalable backend systems and integration tools that connect hardware and software systems across all environments and command layers. On the Legion team, your expertise will be critical for solving complex, system-level challenges and advancing a robust platform that is deployed for real-world military missions. This role requires constant innovation and suits an engineer who thrives under pressure and demands their work have immediate, tangible impact on national security.

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of hands-on backend engineering experience in fast-paced, production environments using Go, Python, Rust, C/C++, TypeScript, or similar languages.
  • Strong background in APIs, distributed systems, data pipelines, or real-time processing.
  • Deep experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL), object stores (e.g., S3, MinIO), and geospatial tools.
  • Strong grasp of HTTP APIs (REST, gRPC, GraphQL) and authentication/authorization models.
  • History of working directly with customers to build and deliver meaningful software.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate with urgency, ownership, and high engineering standards.


Preferred Qualifications
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Exposure to DOD IL5+, Top Secret, and JWICS environments, including understanding of DOD RMF, FedRAMP, or NIST 800-53.
  • Experience supporting Golang-based applications in production.
  • Experience building plugins or integrations for common military command-and-control (C2) platforms (e.g. TAK, Maven, Lattice).


Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary range: $150,000 - $220,000 per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.
  • Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
  • Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
  • Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
  • Paid parental leave for both parents
  • Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette
  • Free EV charging at the HQ
  • Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer


Export Control 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. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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