Senior Software Engineer (El Segundo)

Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.

About this role

Picogrid is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our Legion Platform team. You will design, build, and deploy high-performance, scalable backend systems and integration tools that connect hardware and software systems across all environments and command layers. On the Legion team, your expertise will be critical for solving complex, system-level challenges and advancing a robust platform that is deployed for real-world military missions. This role requires constant innovation and suits an engineer who thrives under pressure and demands their work have immediate, tangible impact on national security.

Required Qualifications

U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

5+ years of hands-on backend engineering experience in fast-paced, production environments using Go, Python, Rust, C/C++, TypeScript, or similar languages.

Strong background in APIs, 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 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, including understanding of DOD RMF, FedRAMP, or NIST 800-53.

Experience supporting Golang-based applications in production.

Experience building plugins or integrations for common military command-and-control (C2) platforms (e.g. TAK, Maven, Lattice).

Compensation

Salary range: $150,000 - $250,000

Meaningful stock options

401(k)with employer matching

Full health, dental, and vision coverage

Relocation assistance

Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year

Paid parental leave for both parents

Complimentary in-office lunch and fully stocked kitchenette

Free EV charging when working on-site

Export Control Requirements

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.