Sr Backend Engineer, Discovery API

Vantor Inc.; Westminster (CO); On-site; USD 128,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Mental health resources

Student loan repayment assistance

Adoption reimbursement

Pet insurance

Job summary

Vantor Inc. is seeking a senior backend developer to own the catalog API end-to-end on a high-autonomy team. You will design, build, and optimize APIs and data pipelines for large geospatial datasets, with a strong emphasis on performance and scalability.

You will work in Python (FastAPI/Flask), tune PostgreSQL at scale, and deploy in the cloud using IaC (Terraform/CloudFormation). This hands-on role requires 6+ years of backend experience, US citizenship, and eligibility for a US security

Qualifications

• 6+ years of backend development in production.
• Strong Python and API design with a framework such as FastAPI or Flask.
• Deep experience building and operating data pipelines over large datasets.
• Strong PostgreSQL, including performance tuning at scale.
• Fluent building and operating cloud services (AWS, GCP, or similar), with infrastructure as code such as Terraform or CloudFormation.
• Strong automated testing discipline.
• Applies AI to accelerate implementation.
• US citizenship required.
• Able to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the catalog API, from design through production.
• Build and operate the data pipelines that keep the catalog current.
• Tune performance across the API and PostgreSQL at scale.
• Ship safely and often, with automated tests and reliable deploys.
• Shape the architecture and technical direction alongside a small team.

Skills

Backend development

Python

API design

Data pipelines

PostgreSQL

Cloud services (AWS/GCP)

Infrastructure as code

Automated testing

AI acceleration

US citizenship

Security clearance eligibility

Tools

FastAPI

Flask

PostgreSQL performance tuning

AWS

GCP

Terraform

CloudFormation

Kubernetes

Job description

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters-where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen. This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance, applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. Employment for cleared roles is contingent upon verification of clearance status.

Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Please review the job details below.

Summary

Satellite imagery helps people map, monitor, and respond to what's happening across the planet, and our catalog API is how customers find and access it. We're looking for a senior backend developer to own that API end to end on a small, high-autonomy team, with real influence over its architecture and room to grow your scope.

This is a hands-on role for someone who likes hard problems at scale: large geospatial datasets, both raster and vector, a high-traffic API, and performance work that actually matters. You'll design and build APIs and data pipelines in Python, tune performance against big Postgres datasets, and run it in the cloud.

What You'll Do

• Own and evolve the catalog API, from design through production
• Build and operate the data pipelines that keep the catalog current
• Tune performance across the API and Postgres at scale
• Ship safely and often, with automated tests and reliable deploys
• Shape the architecture and technical direction alongside a small team

Minimum Qualifications

• 6+ years of backend development, building secure, scalable services in production
• Strong Python and API design, with a framework such as FastAPI or Flask
• Deep experience building and operating data pipelines over large datasets
• Strong PostgreSQL, including performance tuning at scale
• Fluent building and operating cloud services (AWS, GCP, or similar), with infrastructure as code such as Terraform or CloudFormation
• Strong automated testing discipline
• Applies AI to accelerate implementation
• US citizenship required
• Able to obtain and maintain a US security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Catalog experience with geospatial data or other large‑scale archives
• Familiarity with geospatial standards and tooling such as STAC, OGC APIs, PostGIS, and GDAL
• Kubernetes or similar container orchestration
• Zero‑downtime deploys and service modernization

Pay Transparency: To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate's experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.

The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $128,000.00 - $170,000.00 - $187,000.00 annually.

For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.

Benefits: Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at: https://www.Vantor.com/careers

Additionally, this position is incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved; the specific incentive plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions.

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.

EEO Policy: Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.