Staff Backend Software Developer
TLDR
Lead the design and evolution of large-scale backend systems that support Kepler’s satellite network infrastructure and mission control software.
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Lead the design and evolution of large-scale backend systems supporting Kepler’s satellite network infrastructure and mission control software
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Drive architectural decisions that span multiple teams and services, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability
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Identify and lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives, including system-wide performance improvements, reliability efforts, and platform standardization
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Partner with product, operations, and leadership to translate business opportunities into technical strategy and execution plans
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Define and improve engineering processes, development workflows, and operational practices across teams
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Own and guide long-term technical roadmaps, balancing immediate delivery needs with strategic investments
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Act as a technical authority and advisor, providing guidance on complex system design, tradeoffs, and risk management
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Mentor senior engineers and help grow technical leadership across the organization
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Drive alignment across teams by influencing without authority and building consensus on technical direction
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8+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend systems
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Proven experience designing and operating large-scale, distributed systems
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Demonstrated ability to lead cross-team technical initiatives and influence engineering direction
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Strong expertise in system architecture, scalability, reliability, and performance optimization
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Deep experience with Python and modern backend development practices
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Experience with cloud platforms, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and infrastructure-as-code
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Strong understanding of CI/CD systems and developer productivity tooling
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Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity in complex technical and organizational environments
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Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders
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Experience working on mission-critical or high-reliability systems
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Familiarity with satellite operations, ground systems, or aerospace environments
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Experience designing platform-level systems or internal developer platforms
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Strong background in observability, incident response, and reliability engineering
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Experience with event-driven and distributed messaging systems (Kafka, Pulsar, etc.)
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Knowledge of networking concepts and delay-tolerant networking
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Track record of improving engineering processes and organizational effectiveness
Benefits
Equity Compensation
Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success.
Health Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents.
Town Halls and Celebration Calls
Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged.
Paid Time Off
Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown.
Kepler Communications operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, delivering real-time Internet access for space-based assets. Our service is tailored for industries involved in space exploration and satellite communications, empowering them with continuous connectivity to enhance their data-driven initiatives.
- Founded
- Founded 2015
- Employees
- 11-50 employees
- Industry
- Diversified Telecommunication Services
- Total raised
- $5.1M raised