Senior Software Engineer

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Senior Command & Control Software Engineer to join their Space Ground Systems Team. The role involves designing and maintaining critical software for satellite operations, focusing on command and control systems and real-time data processing.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of software engineering experience, proficiency in Python, and strong problem-solving skills. Compensation is competitive, ranging from $130,000 to $180,000 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering.
• 3+ years focused on command and control systems or similar domains.
• Strong communication skills for technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain command and control software applications.
• Implement solutions for real-time data processing and secure communications.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for software solutions.

Skills

Software engineering

Command and control systems

Python

REST APIs

Asynchronous messaging

Version control

Real-time systems

Distributed architectures

Tools

Ansible

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

HawkEye 360 is currently seeking a Senior Command & Control Software Engineer to join the Space Ground Systems Team. The mission of the Ground Systems Team is to provide the tooling to operate and maintain a growing constellation of small commercial satellites. This group is also responsible for building and operating a segment of groundstations to provide communications with these satellites. Satellite clusters and ground segments provide the platform for RF data collection that is essential to HawkEye 360’s core business.

HawkEye 360 is looking for a candidate with good technical leadership and problem‑solving skills, who is creative and has a passion for working with and developing new innovative technology.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain command and control software applications that meet operational requirements.
• Implement solutions for real‑time data processing, secure communications, and system integration.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand mission requirements and translate them into software solutions.
• Perform software testing, debugging, and troubleshooting to ensure high‑quality deliverables.
• Contribute to architectural design and decisions, ensuring the software aligns with long‑term goals.

Essential Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering.
• 3+ years focused on command and control systems or similar domains.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Experience building automated mission‑critical applications and supporting remote hardware.
• Experience building REST APIs using frameworks like FastAPI or Spring Boot.
• Experience with asynchronous messaging like Apache Kafka.
• Proficiency with modern version control.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Strong experience with real‑time software systems, distributed architectures, and high‑availability systems.
• A good attitude and team‑oriented spirit in addition to detail‑oriented planning and problem solving.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in other programming languages such as C++ and Java.
• Experience with Ansible, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Knowledge of transport and application layer protocols; UDP, TCP, FTP…
• Experience in a fast‑paced, small company where priorities can change rapidly.
• Familiarity with simulation and modeling tools used for C2 system testing and validation.
• Dedication – sometimes we all need to burn a little midnight oil to get the job done.

Compensation

$130,000 - $180,000 annually. The compensation package includes a competitive base salary, annual performance bonus, and benefits. Salary offers are based on experience, education, training, skills, and market factors.

HawkEye 360 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are proud to be an EEO employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.