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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Retirement

Job summary

Space in Boulder, CO is seeking a Software Engineer to strengthen the backend with Python. This on-site role requires an Interim DoD Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship, with 9+ years of professional Python experience.

You will work within the SMX Space and Intelligence unit on DoD-aligned, scalable architectures. Responsibilities include building and deploying features, optimizing performance, and coordinating with cross-functional teams using Jira, Confluence, Gitlab, Docker, Kubernetes, and

Qualifications

• Clearance required: Interim DoD Secret or higher; U.S. Citizenship is required.
• BS or advanced degree in Computer Science or another relevant field.
• 9+ years of professional experience as a software engineer focusing on Python-based solutions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and deploy features.
• Write clean, maintainable Python backend code; deploy using Gitlab, Docker, Kubernetes, and Helm.
• Optimize applications for speed and scalability; troubleshoot performance issues.
• Utilize Jira for project management and tracking; ensure compliance with DoD standards.

Skills

Security clearance

Citizenship

Experience

Education

BS or higher in CS or related field

Tools

Gitlab

Gitlab Runner

Docker

Kubernetes

Helm Charts

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Description: 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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.
• Familiarity with other development languages and tools such as C++, Rust, TypeScript, JavaScript, React Experience with Agile software development methodology.
• 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.

• health insurance
• paid leave
• retirement

$150,000 - $180,000 USD