Cleared Back End Software Engineer

Motion Recruitment; Denver, Washington (CO, District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Technical growth opportunities

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Unlimited PTO

Hybrid Work Environment

Job summary

Motion Recruitment is partnering with a well-funded, early-stage aerospace software company in the Denver area to hire a Backend Software Engineer. You will build scalable cloud-native applications using Python, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and modern API technologies.

You'll join a small, technically focused team to own critical backend capabilities and contribute to aerospace missions. Prior satellite experience is not required; strong software fundamentals and curiosity are valued.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional backend or software engineering experience.
• Strong Python development experience building production applications and services.
• Experience with AWS cloud infrastructure and services.
• Experience designing and developing RESTful or GraphQL APIs.
• Experience with Docker and containerized applications.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes and CI/CD pipelines.
• Understanding of distributed systems, databases, and software architecture.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable, cloud-native backend services for satellite operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a hybrid Denver environment.
• Own backend capabilities and contribute to mission-critical software.

Skills

Python

AWS

Docker

Kubernetes

REST/GraphQL APIs

CI/CD

Distributed systems

Problem solving

Independent work

Tools

Terraform

GitHub Actions

PostgreSQL

GraphQL

Job description

A well-funded, early-stage aerospace software company in the Denver area that's modernizing how satellites are operated and managed is hiring Backend Software Engineer to develop scalable, cloud-native applications supporting mission-critical satellite operations. This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity working primarily with Python, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and modern API technologies.

This is an opportunity to build meaningful software at the intersection of aerospace, cloud infrastructure, and national security. You'll work alongside a small, highly technical engineering team, take ownership of important backend capabilities, and gain exposure to cutting-edge space technology. Prior satellite or space experience is not required-the team values strong software engineering fundamentals, curiosity, and engineers who enjoy solving challenging problems.

This role is hybrid in Denver. Relocation can be provided for those looking to relocate.

Required Skills & Experience

• Active U.S. Secret security clearance or higher

• 3+ years of professional backend or software engineering experience

• Strong Python development experience building production applications and services

• Experience with AWS cloud infrastructure and services

• Experience designing and developing RESTful or GraphQL APIs

• Experience with Docker and containerized applications

• Familiarity with Kubernetes and CI/CD pipelines

• Understanding of distributed systems, databases, and software architecture

• Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience with Terraform or other Infrastructure as Code tools

• AWS services including EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, ECS, EKS, and CloudWatch

• Experience with GraphQL, PostgreSQL, and event-driven architectures

• Experience with GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, or similar automation tools

• Familiarity with DevSecOps, security, observability, and production reliability

• Background in aerospace, satellite systems, defense, or mission-critical software

• Experience working in startup or fast-paced product development environments

The Offer

• Equity participation

• Opportunity for technical growth and ownership

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Unlimited PTO

• Hybrid Work Environment

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis now and in the future. An active U.S. Secret security clearance or higher is required.