Backend Engineer

Sphinx Defense; Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 138,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus

Equity ownership

Health, dental, vision insurance with

Health Savings Account

Life insurance

Flexible paid time off

Job summary

Sphinx Defense builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space and ground systems. We are based in Colorado and value collaboration, transparency, and personal responsibility.

As a Backend Engineer on the Space Communications team, you will lead core platform services for satellite communications, design scalable APIs, and mentor junior engineers while owning end-to-end problems. We offer a competitive base salary, equity, a quarterly bonus, and comprehensive health benefits

Qualifications

• Experience with multi-tenant services on public cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Developing and consuming APIs and services as part of a platform ecosystem.
• Experience with an emphasis on automation and security.
• Willingness to own a technical problem end‑to‑end.
• Self‑directed learner of new technologies.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of core platform services for satellite communications.
• Design and build technology to support the operations of US Government satellites.
• Work independently and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Public Cloud

API Development

Automation & Security

End-to-End Ownership

Self-directed learner

Teamwork & Communication

Job description

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by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on.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 Backend Engineer to join our Space Communications team building a ground communications and data-transport platform for US government satellites. As a Backend Engineer you will lead the development of core platform services, designing and building technology to support the operations of a wide variety of US Government satellites. You'll work as both an individual contributor and a lead for more junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of core platform services for satellite communications.
• Design and build technology to support the operations of US Government satellites.
• Work independently and mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Experience working on multi-tenant services on public cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Developing and consuming APIs and services as part of a platform ecosystem.
• Experience with an emphasis on automation and security.
• Willingness to own a technical problem end‑to‑end.
• Self‑directed learner of new technologies.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Prior experience in space, satellite communications, or building ground systems.

Location

This hybrid role requires a regular presence in Colorado Springs, CO.

Compensation

• Base salary between $138,000 - $167,000.
• Quarterly bonus structure.
• Equity ownership in the company.
• 100% premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision for you and dependents.
• Health Savings Accounts.
• Life insurance.
• Flexible paid time off policy.

Benefits

Compensation includes a 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Security Clearance

This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Export Controls

Applicant must be (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a U.S. lawful permanent resident, (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. §1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. §1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.