Software Engineer

Amadeus Search; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

PTO

Healthcare

Paid travel opportunities

Job summary

A technology solutions firm in El Segundo, CA, is looking for a Software Engineer with backend-leaning, full-stack responsibilities. The ideal candidate must have an active Top Secret clearance and strong backend skills, particularly in Python, with experience in Go and TypeScript. The role entails building core product capabilities and deploying machine learning models in classified environments. Competitive compensation of $180k – $200k, along with equity and benefits, is offered for this on-site position.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance is required.
• Strong backend engineering skills with Python.
• Experience across Go and TypeScript is necessary.
• Ability to productionize machine learning models, especially reinforcement learning.
• Experience building scalable backend infrastructure.
• Comfort working in classified, high-security environments.
• High agency and ownership in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Build and own core product and backend platform capabilities.
• Deploy and fine-tune reinforcement learning models.
• Integrate classified sensor data into production systems.
• Collaborate with science team to translate models into production code.
• Ensure backend systems are reliable, accurate, and scalable.
• Travel for customer integrations and opportunities.

Skills

Backend engineering skills

Python

Go

TypeScript

Productionizing machine learning models

Integrating classified data

Working in classified environments

High agency

Job description

Role: Software Engineer (Backend-leaning, Full-stack responsibilities)

Location: El Segundo, CA (On-site, 5 days/week, up to 25% travel)

Compensation: $180k – $200k + competitive equity

About the Role

Smack Technologies is seeking a backend-leaning Software Engineer with full-stack responsibilities to join their small, mission-driven team. This role requires an active Top Secret (TS) clearance and is highly hands-on, with ownership of backend systems, deployment of reinforcement learning models, and integration of classified sensor data. As an early team member, you’ll help shape both the product and the engineering culture while solving high-stakes defense challenges.

What You Will Do

• Build and own core product and backend platform capabilities.

• Deploy and fine-tune reinforcement learning models in classified environments.

• Integrate classified sensor data into robust production systems.

• Work closely with the science team to translate advanced models into production code.

• Ensure backend systems are highly reliable, accurate, and scalable.

• Travel (~25%) for customer integrations, including opportunities in Hawaii.

What You Will Bring

• Active Top Secret clearance (required).

• Strong backend engineering skills with Python and experience across Go and TypeScript.

• Ability to productionize machine learning models, especially reinforcement learning.

• Experience building scalable backend infrastructure and data integrations.

• Comfort working in classified, high-security environments.

• High agency and ownership — able to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Compensation and Perks

• Salary: $180k – $200k

• Equity: Competitive

• Benefits: 401k, PTO, Healthcare

• Other: Paid travel opportunities (including customer work in Hawaii)

Why Join Us

• Mission-driven impact: Work on defense systems that strengthen deterrence and ensure national security.

• Small, elite team: Collaborate with ex-Meta, ex-Palantir, and military leaders.

• High ownership: Be an early member with influence over core product direction.

• Cutting-edge tech: Deploy reinforcement learning models in real-world, high-stakes scenarios.

• Fast-moving startup: Combine purpose with rapid growth opportunities.