Develop full-stack mission planning and command-and-control software for space communications programs. Build responsive interfaces with modern JavaScript frameworks, backend services and APIs using Python and SQL, and containerized applications. Own features through testing and deployment, write automated tests, collaborate with QA and cross-functional teams, and improve software usability, security, performance, and reliability in highly secure government environments.
ABOUT SPHINX
Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.
We’re focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Sphinx is hiring a Full Stack Software Engineer to join our team building the next generation of mission planning and command and control software for space communications programs. This team is tasked with creating modern, resilient services and capabilities to support the U.S. Government.
As a Full Stack Software Engineer, you will contribute to the development of intuitive, high-quality user interfaces and front-end experiences for Sphinx’s space vehicle mission planning platform, while also working across backend services, APIs, databases, and system integrations. You’ll own well-defined features from development through deployment, collaborate closely with other engineers and cross-functional partners, and help deliver reliable software that meets user and mission needs.
What you will be focusing on:
- Building intuitive, responsive, and maintainable user experiences using technologies such as JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Angular, and/or Vue
- Translating design mockups, user feedback, and defined system requirements into functional and intuitive user interfaces
- Developing clean, well-tested, and maintainable code while following established engineering practices and standards
- Owning small-to-medium features from development through testing and deployment, identifying edge cases and raising risks or dependencies along the way
- Building and improving APIs and backend services that support front-end applications and system capabilities
- Developing and maintaining backend functionality using technologies such as Python, SQL, RESTful APIs, and containerized architectures
- Collaborating with QA and other engineering disciplines to understand acceptance criteria, troubleshoot defects, validate functionality, and meet functional and technical requirements
- Writing and maintaining automated unit, integration, and functional tests to validate software functionality
- Participating in code reviews, incorporating feedback, and providing constructive feedback to teammates
- Making sound engineering tradeoffs within your area of ownership and seeking additional context or guidance when appropriate
- Communicating assumptions, dependencies, and technical considerations early to minimize rework and support successful delivery
- Contributing to improvements in product usability, quality, security, performance, and maintainability
You might be a good fit if you have:
- 2–5 years of professional web or software development experience using modern development approaches
- Strong front-end development fundamentals, including an understanding of modern UI development principles, component-based architecture, responsive design, performance, and usability
- Experience with JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, and modern front-end frameworks such as React, Angular, and/or Vue
- Experience translating designs, user needs, and defined requirements into production-quality user experiences
- Full-stack development experience with exposure to backend systems, including Python, API development and integration, application architecture, and service-to-service communication
- Experience working with relational databases and SQL, including querying and integrating data into web applications
- Experience developing, consuming, and integrating APIs between front-end applications and backend services
- Familiarity with modern containerized and microservices architectures using technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience collaborating with QA throughout the software development lifecycle, including working with acceptance criteria, troubleshooting defects, and validating functionality
- Experience writing automated tests and developing software against defined user, functional, and technical requirements
- Understanding of software engineering best practices, including code reviews, version control, automated testing, security, performance, and maintainability
- Ability to independently own well-defined features, prioritize work, identify edge cases, and communicate risks or dependencies
- Ability to make sound engineering decisions within familiar problem areas and recognize when additional guidance or clarification is needed
- Strong communication skills and experience collaborating with engineers, end users, and cross-functional teams
- Experience developing, testing, or deploying software within air-gapped or highly secure government network environments
- Ability to hold and maintain a U.S. Government TS/SCI clearance
Bonus points if you have the following:
- Experience designing and developing intuitive user interfaces featuring real-time, 2D/3D geospatial visualizations
- Experience building software for mission-critical, defense, aerospace, or other highly secure environments
- Actively hold a U.S. Government Secret clearance
LOCATION
While this role is remote, the potential for travel may occur such as client visits, company gatherings, and other project related travel as needed may be required.
COMPENSATION
This role is between $130,000 and $157,000 base salary.
BENEFITS
Compensation includes competitive salary, meaningful equity ownership, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, and 100% employer covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
ELIGIBILITY
Must be a US Citizen and be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance and be eligible to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance .
EEO STATEMENT
At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
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