Senior Backend Engineer - Platform Experience
MuxSalary not specified
Full Time
Senior (5 to 8 years)
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Defense, National Security, Autonomous SystemsIndustries
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
- Preferred Qualifications
- Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
- Exposure to DOD IL5+, Top Secret, and JWICS environments
- Experience building cloud-native systems
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and deploy high-performance, scalable software systems that power critical defense missions
- Solve complex problems including data federation in communications degraded environments, multi-sensor data fusion, and coordination across swarms of unmanned systems
- Build backend platform and integration tools to support connected defense infrastructure
- Work across microservices, APIs, data pipelines, and integration tooling to unify field systems and bring autonomy to the edge
- Innovate to build resilient, scalable, and flexible systems for a robust self-service integration platform
- Collaborate with end users to solve real operational challenges
- Deliver real-time, reliable, and secure software solutions that function seamlessly across hybrid environments
Skills
Key technologies and capabilities for this role
Questions & Answers
Common questions about this position
What is the employment type for this Staff Software Engineer role?
This is a full-time position.
Is this Staff Software Engineer role remote or office-based?
This information is not specified in the job description.
What skills are needed for the Staff Software Engineer position?
The role requires skills in designing and building high-performance, scalable software systems, deep systems thinking, strong collaboration, and experience with microservices, APIs, data pipelines, and integration tooling.
What is the company culture like at Picogrid?
Picogrid features a small, elite team that operates with urgency, ownership, and a deep respect for the mission, working on high-impact problems in fast-paced environments.
What makes a strong candidate for this Staff Software Engineer role?
Ideal candidates are passionate about building technology for the warfighter, enjoy solving complex system-level problems, and thrive in fast-paced environments with hands-on engineering.
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.
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