Software Engineer (Mission Dev)

Nominal; Los Angeles, Austin, New York (CA, TX, NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nominal is looking for a Software Engineer to join their Mission Dev team in Los Angeles, California. This role involves solving complex data challenges in collaboration with customers, requiring strong software engineering skills, creativity, and a proactive approach.

You will be heavily involved in building custom applications and integrating data systems, while also being a key part of a dynamic team that values innovative solutions. Candidates should be ready to travel up to 25-50% for user engagement.

Qualifications

• Strong software engineering foundations required.
• Proactive attitude and problem-solving skills essential.
• Willingness to travel 25-50% to meet end-users.

Responsibilities

• Operate at the intersection of software engineering and customer missions.
• Embed with customers to solve data challenges direct.
• Build and deploy custom applications to meet specific requirements.

Skills

Software engineering foundations

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Customer-centric mindset

Creativity

Adaptability

Job description

Requirements

• This role demands grit, strong software engineering foundations, creativity, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments where you'll be responsible for everything from understanding core user needs to writing code for data integrations and custom applications
• If you are a builder who wants to tackle complex problems, see your code directly shape mission success, and aren't afraid to forge paths in new territory, this team is where you'll excel
• Experience designing, building, and shipping software in potentially ambiguous or fast-changing environments
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a proactive, "get things done" attitude
• A customer-centric mindset and a genuine passion for solving real-world problems with technology
• Excitement to be a foundational member of the early team building software tools to amplify the capabilities of remarkable hardware engineering teams
• Ability and interest to travel up to 25–50% to spend time with end-users on-site (e.g., rocket test stands, spacecraft clean rooms, automated manufacturing facilities)
• (Desirable) Solution-oriented: Experience collaborating with customers to solve complex problems in dynamic, evolving environments
• (Desirable) Adaptability: Previous experience in startup or entrepreneurial environments, where agility, problem-solving, and end-to-end ownership are essential
• (Desirable) [Bonus] Security clearance: Active Top Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one

What the job involves

• The Mission Dev team operates at the intersection of cutting-edge software engineering and critical customer missions
• As a Software Engineer on the Mission Dev team, you're not just supporting customers; you're embedding with them to solve their hardest data challenges head-on
• Think like a startup cofounder or an early-stage CTO: you'll dive into ambiguous problem spaces, own solutions end-to-end, and rapidly iterate to deliver impactful results
• You’ll be a pivotal force within Nominal's Mission organization, directly applying your technical expertise to ensure our customers succeed with Nominal's platform and achieve their objectives
• Build and deploy custom applications, scripts, and extensions to meet specific customer requirements and unlock new capabilities, biasing towards action and rapid prototyping
• Design and implement resilient data pipelines and integration workflows to connect diverse customer data systems with Nominal’s offerings, often in complex and novel environments
• Work closely with our Sales and Mission Ops teams to ensure seamless customer handoffs, provide deep technical expertise during pre-sales conversations, and scope customer engagements effectively
• Gather customer feedback and insights from the frontline to inform product development, influence Nominal's technology roadmap, and improve our offerings
• Help grow the team by sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding new engineers