Senior Technical Architect II

Slingshot Aerospace, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Slingshot Aerospace, Inc. is looking for a Technical Architect to lead the design and implementation of high-performance data processing platforms. This role requires deep expertise in Python, FastAPI, and distributed architectures, with a focus on security and scalability.

Ideal candidates are located in the DC-Baltimore area with an Active Top Security Clearance. The position offers a competitive compensation package of $175k - $250k, equity, and benefits.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in Python, FastAPI, event-driven architectures.
• Hands-on experience with MongoDB and caching systems.
• Strong ability in data modeling and indexing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of data processing platforms.
• Build and scale FastAPI-based microservices.
• Architect and implement ETL frameworks and data pipelines.
• Apply Secure SDLC principles across architecture and coding.

Skills

Expert-level Python experience

Strong FastAPI design

Production-level experience with Kafka

Experience with Redis

Linux proficiency

Debug complex distributed systems

AWS experience

Application of Secure SDLC principles

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in CS, Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

At Slingshot Aerospace,we'reon a mission to make space safer and more securefor everyone. Our work directlyimpactsglobal security, disaster response, climate monitoring, and the critical infrastructure that connects our world.We'rea team of builders, thinkers, and problem-solvers who believe that the next generation of space operations will be powered by better data and smarter software. We move fast,we'renot afraid to fail, and we believe the best ideas can come from anywhere—whetheryou'rein engineering, sales, product, or operations. If you want to work on something that truly matters, with people who care deeply about the impactwe'remaking and help shape the future of an industrythat'sjust getting started,you'rein the right place.

What You'll Be Launching

Seeking a Technical Architect to lead the design and implementation of secure, scalable, and high‑performance data processing platforms. This role (Washington DC–Baltimore area) requires deep expertise in Python, FastAPI, distributed event‑driven architectures, MongoDB, and at least one in‑memory data store such as Redis. The architect will own system design, standards, and production‑grade delivery across ingestion, transformation, streaming, and service layers while enforcing Secure SDLC practices. Much of the work is remote however some onsite visits will be required within the DC area to a SCIF. Ideal candidates live in the DC-Baltimore area and have an Active Top Security Clearance with SCI Eligibility.

About the Team

This is a net-new opportunity to join a small senior team building scalable Python/FastAPI microservices, streaming pipelines, and AI-enabled workflows using technologies like Kafka, MongoDB, Redis, Kubernetes, and AWS GovCloud. The role offers direct influence over architecture, engineering standards, and platform strategy in a highly secure, high-impact environment. Experience with distributed systems, RAG pipelines, and modern cloud-native development is strongly preferred.

Your Mission (Should you choose to accept it)

• Architect and implement Python‑based ETL frameworks, orchestration layers, and high‑throughput data pipelines.
• Build and scale FastAPI‑based microservices with strong focus on performance, security, and observability.
• Lead MongoDB data modeling, indexing strategies, aggregation pipelines, and performance tuning.
• Architect caching, session management, and high‑speed data access layers using Redis or similar memory‑based databases.
• Apply Secure SDLC principles across architecture, coding, CI/CD, and deployment workflows.
• Lead architecture reviews and define engineering standards for distributed systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex system, data, and performance issues in production environments.
• Drive containerization, Kubernetes‑native deployment patterns, and AWS cloud integration.

Pre-flight Checklist

• Expert‑level Python experience across ETL systems, microservices, and distributed data processing.
• Strong FastAPI design and implementation experience.
• Deep, production-level experience with Kafka and/or RabbitMQ.
• Experience with at least one memory‑based database (Redis strongly preferred).
• Strong Linux proficiency and experience with Docker/Kubernetes.
• Demonstrated ability to debug complex distributed or high‑scale systems.
• Implement Agentic AI workflows using LangChain and Crew AI.
• Hands‑on AWS experience across compute, data, networking, and security services.
• Proven application of Secure SDLC principles and secure architecture patterns.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in CS, Engineering, or related field.

Bonus Cargo

• Space industry data familiarity is a plus.
• Current and Active Top Security Clearance with SCI Eligibility strongly preferred.

Location

Washington DC-Baltimore Area. Much of the work is remote; however some onsite visits will be required within the DC area to a SCIF. Ideal candidates live in the DC-Baltimore area.

Compensation

$175k - 250k, Equity and Benefits.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion are key to our success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for creating a safer, more connected world. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also national origin, citizenship, sex, color, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic that is part of one’s identity. All of our employees’ points of view are key to our success, and we embrace individuality.