Senior Backend Software Engineer

The Role: 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

Location

• Boulder
• Colorado
• United States

Department

• Engineering

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!

What You’ll Do as a Sat OS Software Engineer

• 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

Basic Skills/Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in professional software development
• Proven experience in production-grade software development using at least one compiled language
• Proficiency in Python or equivalent high-level language
• Knowledge of Linux-based development
• Excellent documentation, collaboration, and communication skills
• Systems-level thinking (distributed, scalable, highly available) with an appetite for creating and adapting applications
• Hands-on experience with Cloud Computing Platforms (AWS), IaC and modern CI/CD pipelines
• Knowledge of version control systems

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

• 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

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.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Final base salary for this role will be based on the location, skills, experience and qualifications. In addition to base compensation, this role is eligible for commissions and annual equity awards. This role is also eligible for our employee benefits program, including vacation, sick, and personal time off; optional medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; a 401(K) plan; health and wellness reimbursement program; and participation in Spire’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Base Salary Range

$130,000—$171,000 USD

Global Perks

• Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
• Launch Attendance
• Generous Time Off Policy
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• Family Leave
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

About Spire

We improve life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.

Please take a moment to review Spire's Global Data Privacy Notice for Employees, Contractors, Candidates and Visitors, as well as Spire's Privacy Policy.

Kindly be advised that communication regarding your application may come from @spire.com, @recruiting.spire.com, or from Candidate.fyi (our scheduling tool).