Senior Software Engineer at Picogrid

El Segundo, California, United States

Picogrid Logo
$150,000 – $250,000Compensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Defense, National SecurityIndustries

Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
  • 7+ years of engineering experience in fast-paced, production environments
  • 5+ years of experience in backend development using Go, Java, Python, TypeScript, or similar languages
  • Proven experience building microservice architectures and platform tooling
  • Strong background in distributed systems, data pipelines, or real-time processing
  • Deep experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL), object stores (e.g., S3, MinIO), and geospatial tools
  • Strong grasp of HTTP APIs (REST, gRPC, GraphQL) and authentication/authorization models
  • History of working directly with customers to build and deliver meaningful software
  • Demonstrated ability to operate with urgency, ownership, and high engineering standards

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and deploy high-performance, scalable software systems that power critical defense missions
  • Architect and implement Legion, Picogrid’s vendor-neutral integration layer for mission autonomy and base defense
  • Connect sensors, drones, effectors, and software systems across cloud, edge, and tactical environments
  • Bridge fragmented platforms into a single operational interface
  • Work across microservices, APIs, data pipelines, and integration tooling to unify field systems and bring autonomy to the edge
  • Deliver real-time, reliable, and secure software solutions that function seamlessly across hybrid environments
  • Collaborate with end users to solve real operational challenges

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Backend DevelopmentSoftware ArchitectureScalable SystemsSystem IntegrationCloud ComputingEdge ComputingAutonomous Systems

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Senior Software Engineer position?

The salary range is $150K - $250K.

Is this a remote position or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What skills and experience are required for this role?

Required qualifications include U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain Top Secret clearance, 7+ years of engineering experience in fast-paced environments, 5+ years in backend development using Go, Java, Python, TypeScript or similar, experience with microservice architectures and platform tooling, and background in distributed systems, data pipelines, or real-time processing.

What is the company culture like at Picogrid?

Picogrid features a small, elite team that operates with urgency, ownership, and deep respect for the mission, working on high-impact problems in fast-paced environments alongside military operators.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior Software Engineer role?

Strong candidates have U.S. citizenship eligible for Top Secret clearance, 7+ years in fast-paced engineering, 5+ years backend experience with languages like Go or Python, and expertise in microservices, distributed systems, and real-time processing, with a passion for solving complex defense challenges.

Picogrid

Develops autonomous systems for defense technology

About Picogrid

Picogrid develops a unified platform for autonomous systems that integrates various defense technologies, including sensors, drones, and command interfaces. This platform allows for remote control and coordination of these systems, creating a more cohesive defense operation. The company primarily serves military clients, such as the U.S. Army and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, and generates revenue through federal contracts, including a significant $1 billion contract with the Pentagon and a $950 million contract for its Lander sensor platform. Picogrid differentiates itself by focusing on creating an open ecosystem for defense technology suppliers, which enhances collaboration and efficiency in military operations. The company's goal is to improve defense capabilities while expanding its manufacturing operations, with a new factory set to open in 2025 to support job creation and local economies.

El Segundo, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2020Year Founded
$11.7MTotal Funding
SEEDCompany Stage
Industrial & Manufacturing, DefenseIndustries
11-50Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Vacation
Remote Work Options
Stock Options
Professional Development Budget
Home Office Stipend

Risks

Emerging startups like Anduril Industries threaten Picogrid's market share.
Reliance on federal contracts risks revenue if government spending shifts.
Potential delays in new factory construction could impact production and contracts.

Differentiation

Picogrid offers a unified platform for fragmented defense systems.
The company has secured significant federal contracts, including a $1B IDIQ from the Pentagon.
Picogrid's technology is approved for AWS GovCloud, ensuring secure data handling.

Upsides

Increased demand for autonomous systems boosts Picogrid's market potential.
Rising investment in defense tech startups supports Picogrid's growth.
Collaboration with European firms opens new market opportunities for Picogrid.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI