Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Meet Slingshot 

At Slingshot Aerospace, we're on a mission to make space safer and more secure for everyone. Our work directly impacts global security, disaster response, climate monitoring, and the critical infrastructure that connects our world. We're a 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're not afraid to fail, and we believe the best ideas can come from anywhere—whether you're in engineering, sales, product, or operations. If you want to work on something that truly matters, with people who care deeply about the impact we're making and help shape the future of an industry that's just getting started, you're in the right place. 

What You’ll Be Launching 

As a Backend Software Engineer supporting Slingshot’s development, you will design and build capabilities that will enable our products to help solve satellite owner-operator problems. You will be a multiplier for the entire engineering team by not only delivering high-quality code on time but by helping your teammates do so as well, and by mentoring and providing support whenever needed. You will find, evaluate, and leverage new technologies; solve complex problems; and deliver value to end users.  This is a one-year fixed-term position with the possibility of extension or conversion to full-time employment.

We're building a team of sharp, creative people who love solving hard problems. We value curiosity over ego, initiative over waiting for permission, and people who genuinely care about doing great work. Bring your expertise, your fresh ideas, and your drive—we'll bring the rocket fuel. 

Your Mission (Should you choose to accept it)  

• Executes all position responsibilities in alignment with Slingshot’s core values, mission, and purpose  
• Work across the technology team interacting with product managers, designers, and other engineers in implementing right-sized solutions  
• Meet product requirements in a timely manner while not compromising the operational stability of the overall product  
• Participate in Agile software development and deployment processes  
• Provide ongoing support for the services and applications that are critical to our business needs  
• Communicate methods, findings, and hypotheses with stakeholders  
• Work on both the frontend and backend to solve problems and deliver value to both internal and external users  
• Build data platforms/pipelines, microservices, interactions with AI agents and distributed systems  
• Build and document APIs (REST, GraphQL)  
• Develop advanced data interfaces and interactive user interfaces  
• Turn architecture ideas into technical specifications that can be executed by anyone on the team  

Pre-flight Checklist 

• 5+ years of experience in software development  
• 4-year degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field  
• Active security clearance required; Top Secret preferred.
• Experience using our stack or similar technologies (Java/Kotlin, GraphQL/GraphQL subscriptions, REST, Docker, Kubernetes, React, Python)  
• Adept in working with cloud-based deployments (AWS) PaaS and IaaS offerings including some experience with Infrastructure-As-Code solutions  
• Capable working with containers and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, EKS)  
• Deep working knowledge of version control (Git) and CI/CD tools (GitHub Actions)  
• Experience with event-driven architectures including Kafka and CloudEvents, data platforms, microservices, and distributed systems  
• Knowledgeable in database design, performance, and troubleshooting (PostgreSQL, MongoDB)  
• Skilled in collaborating with data scientists in incorporating AI/ML/LLM into existing software products   
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time  

 Bonus Cargo 

• Possess security compliance accreditation such as NIST 800-53, DoD ILs, FedRAMP in higher-classification cloud or air-gapped environments and have experience supporting organizations to obtain accreditation  
• Experience with software technology startups and product organizations  
• Knowledge of frontend technologies, specifically React, Three.js  
• Demonstrated experience working in, or close collaboration with DevOps team members and infrastructure technology.   
• Familiarity with QA practice and collaboration.  
• Track record of supporting predictable software delivery with Product Team partners  
• Prior Space and Aerospace Industry experience is a bonus but not required   
• Proficient in integrating complex external systems with API’s    
• Experience with simulation technologies like HLA/DIS  

We're building a constellation here, not looking for identical satellites. Every member of the team brings different capabilities to the same mission. If your orbit intersects with ours and you're mission-ready, send it. 

Location:   Remote, US

Salary: $150,000-$250,000

Classification: One-year fixed-term position.

US-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following U.S. states: AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, RI, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, and WI. We are unable to consider candidates residing in other U.S. states at this time. 

Internationally-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following locations: United Kingdom. We are unable to consider candidates residing in other countries at this time.