Backend Software Engineer - Routing

The Arena; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arena is seeking a Backend Software Engineer to own the ground routing layer of their platform, focusing on multi-modal routing and end-to-end ownership. You will develop time-dependent costing and richer transport options, working closely with the platform team to translate logistics needs into reliable routing behavior.

Ideal candidates have 4–6 years of software engineering experience, hands-on routing engine expertise (Valhalla/OSRM/Graphhopper), and strong proficiency in C++ or Rust

Qualifications

• 4 to 6 years of software engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience with routing engines, not just API consumption.
• Strong C++ or Rust, with Go familiarity.
• Experience with routing engines such as Valhalla, OSRM, or Graphhopper.
• Comfort being the sole owner of a technical layer.

Responsibilities

• Own the ground routing and multi-modal transport layer end-to-end.
• Build new routing functionality, including time dependent costing and richer options.
• Collaborate with the platform team to translate real logistics needs into reliable routing behavior.
• Take full ownership of design, implementation, and reliability.

Skills

Routing engines

C++ or Rust

Go familiarity

Ownership of tech layer

Tools

Valhalla

OSRM

Graphhopper

Job description

Backend Software Engineer, Maps and Routing

Location: Onsite - Rosslyn, VA (daily in office) or Hybrid - Seattle, WA (with travel to DC)

Requirements: U.S. citizen or permanent resident. No active clearance required, must be clearable. No visa sponsorship.

Type: Full time, salaried

About the opportunity

Our client is a fast moving, venture backed defense technology company building an AI enabled logistics and sustainment platform for the U.S. military and its allies, built to keep working in degraded and contested environments. They are hiring a Backend Software Engineer to own the routing layer of their platform end to end.

What you will do

• Own the ground routing and multi modal transport layer independently and expand it on top of an existing foundation
• Build new routing functionality, including time dependent costing and richer transport options
• Work with the broader platform team to turn real logistics needs into reliable routing behavior
• Take full ownership of design, implementation, and reliability, with no team underneath you

What you bring

• 4 to 6 years of software engineering experience
• Direct, hands on experience with routing engines, not just consuming routing through an API or building map visualizations
• Strong C++ or Rust, with Go familiarity a plus
• Experience with an engine such as Valhalla, OSRM, or Graphhopper, with Valhalla a strong differentiator
• Comfort being the sole owner of a technical layer

Nice to have

• Multi modal transport routing experience
• Prior work at a logistics, mapping, or supply chain technology company