Senior Software Engineer (5829) (Boulder, CO) (Secret)

Space Programs; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SMX Space and Intelligence in Boulder, CO is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to build and scale backend services with a strong emphasis on Python, data processing, and secure design for national defense programs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust software in an agile environment.

The role requires an Interim DoD Secret Clearance, U.S. citizenship, and on-site work five days a week in Boulder.

Qualifications

• Clearance Required: Interim DoD Secret or higher; U.S. Citizenship required.
• BS or advanced degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 9+ years of professional software engineering experience with Python.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and deploy features.
• Write clean, maintainable Python code and optimize for speed and scalability.
• Utilize Gitlab, Docker, Kubernetes and Helm for deployments.
• Troubleshoot issues and ensure secure, compliant software.
• Use Jira for project management and tracking.

Skills

Python

9+ years experience

Backend development

Data processing

Agile

Education

BS in Computer Science

Tools

Gitlab

Gitlab Runner

Docker

Kubernetes

Helm Charts

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Senior Software Engineer (5829) (Boulder, CO) (Secret)

Boulder, CO

The SMX Space and Intelligence (S&I) Business Unit (BU) is on the ground floor across the future remote sensing ecosystem for all orbital regimes (LEO, MEO, HEO, and GEO). We build, integrate, and operationally support our customers’ emerging space-ground systems to include real-time data processing frameworks, sensor data processing, and data visualization. We are teamed with the most passionate companies in industry, dedicated to bringing best-of-breed capabilities to address our customers’ most pressing needs.

SMX has an immediate opportunity for a Software Engineer who enjoys working on the backend particularly using Python. They have hands‑on experience and an understanding of engineering processes supporting large, National Defense, Agile software development programs.

Position location is on-site in Boulder, CO, 5 days per week.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and deploy features.
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code particularly using Python Utilize Gitlab, Gitlab Runner, Docker, Kubernetes and Helm Charts for deployments.
• Optimize applications for maximum speed and scalability.
• Troubleshoot and debug issues to ensure optimal performance.
• Utilize Jira for project management and tracking.
• Apply DoD standards and protocols to ensure compliance and security.

Required Skills & Experience

• Clearance Required: This position requires an Interim DOD Secret Clearance or higher. Due to the clearance requirement, U.S. Citizenship is required. Candidate also must agree to participate in a background screen.
• BS or advanced degree in Computer Science or another relevant field
• 9+ years of professional experience as a software engineer focusing on creating performant solutions using Python

Desired Skills & Experience

• Familiarity with Gitlab, Gitlab Runner, Docker, Kubernetes and Helm Charts.
• Experience with tools such as Jira, Confluence Experience working on “badge-less” engineering teams on a large National security contract.
• Domain experience with remote sensing systems or ground architectures, especially experience with OPIR sensor processing.

Application Deadline

December 28, 2026

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$150,000 - $180,000 USD

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status or any other legally protected status under applicable law or other similar factors that are not job-related. No question on the application is intended to secure information about these subjects. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment. We also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or any aspect of the application process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail] applicants must properly complete this employment application; failure to do so may result in denial of employment.Rhode Island Applicants: PURSUANT TO THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW SECTION 28-29-6, THE ORGANIZATION INFORMS YOU THAT IT IS SUBJECT TO THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWS. IF YOU PROVIDE FALSE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT ACCOMMODATION, YOU MAY BE BARRED FROM FILING A CLAIM UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACT OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. * Select...