Software Engineer - Data & Telemetry Systems

Software Engineer - Build the Data Backbone for Advanced Test and Launch Systems

Alameda, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A venture-backed aerospace and defense startup is developing advanced flight and launch technologies that require high-fidelity data collection, analysis, and operational insight. As testing activity expands and system complexity increases, reliable data infrastructure becomes a critical part of engineering execution. We are seeking a Software Engineer to own the backend systems that collect, process, store, and visualize data generated across hardware development and test operations. This role will have direct responsibility for building the internal tools and infrastructure that transform raw sensor outputs into actionable engineering insights. The systems you create will be used daily by engineering teams both in the lab and during field testing.

About Us

We are an early-stage hardware company focused on developing next-generation aerospace and defense systems. Our team operates in a highly iterative environment where hardware and software evolve together through rapid testing and development cycles. We value practical problem solving, ownership, and close collaboration across engineering disciplines.

Job Duties

• Design and maintain end-to-end data infrastructure connecting embedded hardware systems to backend databases and visualization tools
• Develop scalable backend services for ingesting, processing, and serving telemetry, sensor, and operational test data
• Build and maintain databases optimized for time-series data, event logging, and system telemetry
• Create internal dashboards and software tools for real-time monitoring and post-test analysis
• Develop APIs and data interfaces that connect hardware systems, databases, and user-facing applications
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and test engineers to define data requirements and instrumentation strategies
• Improve system performance through optimization of data ingestion, buffering, concurrency, compression, and communication protocols
• Identify and resolve scaling challenges as sensor networks and data volumes grow
• Define and maintain data schemas, interface specifications, and technical documentation
• Support engineering teams by ensuring data is accessible, accurate, and actionable throughout development and testing activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3+ years of experience developing backend software, data infrastructure, or internal engineering tools
• Strong programming experience with Python
• Experience designing and managing SQL, time-series, or similar database systems
• Experience building backend services, APIs, and data processing workflows
• Knowledge of data ingestion pipelines, buffering, queuing, and high-throughput systems
• Familiarity with multithreading, concurrency, and performance optimization techniques
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience with C, C++, or other systems programming languages
• Experience working with telemetry, sensor, or hardware-generated data
• Familiarity with InfluxDB, TimescaleDB, or similar time-series database platforms
• Experience supporting laboratory, test, research, or prototype development environments
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, robotics, or other complex hardware systems

Why Join Us

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• 401(k) program with company matching
• Paid time off and paid sick leave
• Equity participation opportunities
• Professional development support
• Opportunity to work directly on mission-critical systems in a fast-growing startup environment
• High ownership and visibility across engineering efforts

Compensation Details

$140,000 - $180,000

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