Senior Backend Software Engineer

• Due to team growth, we are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join our Sat OS team, which develops the high-level operating system and file transfer layer for the spacecraft
• The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing software for our satellite systems, contributing to the expansion and enhancement of our space and ground-based data transfer capabilities
• Ideal candidates will embrace the commercialization of nanosatellite systems and adapt to low-cost, fast-paced systems design, development, and implementation methodologies that set Spire apart from our competition. In this fast-paced environment, the design to launch cycle is measured in weeks and months, not years!
• Develop and enhance satellite-side applications with a focus on file transfer to and from the satellite and its payloads
• Contribute to the design and implementation of the next generation of Spire’s File Transfer architecture (Rust)
• Ensure that Spire’s file transfer services meet internal and mission-driven security standards
• Enhance observability and fault-tolerance of Spire’s file transfer services
• Take responsibility for the performance of critical file transfer services that contribute to the movement of data to and from Spire’s entire fleet of nanosatellites
• Contribute to the design and implementation of highly available, fault-tolerant systems to meet the demands of new customer missions
• Perform ground-based testing and in-orbit verification of new software services
• Coordinate closely with Spire’s communications team, systems engineering, product owners, and internal customers to ensure alignment and optimal integration with interfacing hardware and software services
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for APIs and system architectures
• Implement observability solutions for space and ground-based services to provide a clear and actionable view of service performance

Benefits

• Name your own satellite: Be remembered throughout time by choosing a name for a LEMUR satellite.
• Family Leave: Family is important. Our parental and family leave is designed to let you make the most of those precious moments.
• Learning & development: Spire more than encourages and supports ongoing personal improvement and a growth mindset, we welcome it!
• Launch Attendance: One of the perks from launching satellites into space is that Spire often has VIP access to view the launch.
• Generous time off policy: Take the time you need. Our flexible time-off policy promotes a positive work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP makes sure you have access to support and counseling sessions whenever you need it.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP): Our ESPP provides eligible employees with an opportunity to purchase Spire shares through accumulated contributions.
• Fitness Reimbursement: Spire encourages fitness activity to promote employee well-being with reimbursed gym membership expenses.
• Employee Referral Program: Spire is always looking for outstanding people to join our team, and you can help and be awarded a referral bonus.
• Healthy snacks & beverages: To help our employees to be as productive as possible, we provide healthy snacks and beverages in each of our offices.

• Excellent documentation, collaboration, and communication skills
• Systems-level thinking (distributed, scalable, highly available) with an appetite for creating and adapting applications
• Knowledge of Linux-based development
• 5+ years’ experience in professional software development
• Proficiency in Python or equivalent high-level language
• Knowledge of version control systems
• Proven experience in production-grade software development using at least one compiled language
• Hands-on experience with Cloud Computing Platforms (AWS), IaC and modern CI/CD pipelines
• This role is primarily backend and platform focused. We are generally looking for engineers with stronger backend and systems experience rather than heavily frontend-focused backgrounds
• Proficiency in Python and Rust
• Experience working under regulatory frameworks such as NIST and FAR
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and platforms such as Wiz
• Experience with operating a live, highly available critical system at scale
• Experience writing applications between L3 and L7 networking layers and familiarity with L2/L3 protocols
• Experience with modern AI development tooling
• Proficiency in scripting languages like Bash