Senior Backend Engineer

Sphinx Defense; Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership

Profit sharing

Employer 401(k) contribution

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Sphinx Defense in Colorado Springs is hiring a Senior Backend Engineer to help build the next generation of mission planning and command and control software for space communications programs.

You will lead the development of core platform services, design and implement backend APIs, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring high performance, security, and reliability in a multi-tenant cloud environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressively responsible software engineering experience.
• Extensive experience with Python, FastAPI, Postgres, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform.
• Demonstrable in-depth knowledge of at least one commercial cloud platform and its services.
• Led the architecture, development, and building of backend services and APIs.

Responsibilities

• Building multi-tenant services on public cloud platforms like AWS.
• Architecting and consuming APIs and backend services with emphasis on automation, testing, and security.
• Advocating for improvements to product quality, security, and performance.
• Mentoring junior engineers and supporting their growth.
• Interacting with customers and partners to integrate with our services.
• Scaling services to meet space communications challenges.

Skills

Python

FastAPI

PostgreSQL

AWS

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

Tools

Terraform

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by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on.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 Senior Backend Engineer to join our team, building the next generation of mission planning and command and control software for space communications programs. This team is charged with creating modern, resilient services and capabilities to service the US Government for the next decade and beyond.

As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will play a key role in building a cutting‑edge communications platform for US government satellites. You will lead the development of core platform services, design and build technology to support the operations of various US government satellites, and mentor junior engineers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Building multi‑tenant services on public cloud platforms like AWS
• Building, architecting, and consuming APIs and backend services as part of the platform ecosystem with an emphasis on automation, testing, and security
• Advocating for improvements to product quality, security, and performance that have a particular impact on your team and others
• Supporting junior engineering talent with mentorship or technical guidance
• Interacting with customers and partners to help them integrate with our services
• Scaling the services and solving interesting Space Communication challenges

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of progressively responsible software engineering experience
• Extensive experience with Python, FastAPI, Postgres, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform*
• Demonstrable in‑depth knowledge of at least one commercial cloud platform and its associated services
• Led the architecture, development, and building of backend services and APIs to ensure performance, security, and reliability
• Ability to own technical problems end‑to‑end
• Experience learning from mistakes and knowing what not to build
• Excellent communication skills and a habit of self‑directed learning of new technologies

LOCATION

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

COMPENSATION

This role is between $160,000 - $185,000 base salary.

BENEFITS

Compensation includes 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.

EEO 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, or gender identity.

CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY

This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees eligible to obtain the required authorizations.