Software Designer - Backend

Rocket Lab; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in satellite technology seeks a skilled Software Designer to develop and maintain high-performance backend services for their satellite network infrastructure. The role involves collaborating with teams to build scalable applications, ensuring system performance, and optimizing CI/CD pipelines. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in Python, software design, and familiarity with CI/CD practices.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of Python experience.
• Strong skills in algorithms and system architecture.
• Experience with building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop reliable high-quality software.
• Monitor system health and troubleshoot issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver systems.

Skills

Python

Software Design

Communication

Linux

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

GitLab CI

Docker

Kubernetes

Ansible

Terraform

Job description

Kepler is on an audacious mission to deliver Internet connectivity to space, creating the infrastructure to support the rapidly increasing data needs of the space economy. With 23 satellites launched to date and our optical constellation on the horizon, our ambition is to improve access to space-generated data, whether in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond! Kepler is hard at work innovating and continuing to grow and expand our most important asset – the Team!

We’re on the hunt for a top-tier Software Designer who will be responsible for developing and maintaining high-performance backend services and infrastructure. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to build scalable applications that support the development, testing, and operation of our satellites and mission control software.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop reliable, high-quality software related to operating Kepler’s satellite network infrastructure and mission control software automation
• Ensuring system performance, security, and high availability through best practices
• Collaborate with satellite operators, product managers, and customers to deliver mission critical ground systems
• Build and optimize CI/CD pipelines to streamline deployment and improve development workflows
• Monitor system health, troubleshoot issues, and proactively implement improvements

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum 6+ years of Python experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent
• Strong software design and development skills, including algorithms, system architecture, testing and debugging
• Expertise in building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or Jenkins
• Experience with containerized software (Docker, Kubernetes, K8s) and infrastructure-as-code (Ansible, Terraform, etc.)
• Ability to operate in a Linux based environment
• Ability to effectively use git
• Excellent communication skills

Bonus Points:

• Experience with deploying on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, etc.)
• Familiarityin SQL and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, etc.)
• Familiarity with Python development tools such as uv, pytest/unittest, setuptools, SWIG, and C-extensions
• Knowledge of computer networking and modern networking protocols, especially delay-tolerant networking
• Familiarity with event-driven architectures (Apache Pulsar, AWS SNS/SQS, Kafka, RabbitMQ)
• Familiarity with observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, TimescaleDB, ELK stack)

Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: Women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.