Software Engineer

Senior Software EngineerColorado SpringsAbout the RoleBluestaq is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead medium-sized features, improve code quality, and mentor early-career teammates on mission-critical systems. You'll own features and modules that span multiple components and services, working with product, design, and other engineering teams to deliver reliable, maintainable software that supports national security and defense missions.Why This Role MattersSenior Software Engineers are the technical anchors of our teams. You'll be the go-to person for a domain or service, ensuring that what we ship is not only functional but well-designed, tested, and sustainable. Your work will directly impact mission readiness, and your mentorship will shape the next generation of engineers at Bluestaq. You'll balance hands-on delivery with technical leadership, raising the bar for code quality and system design.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn features and modules that span multiple components/services and require coordination with other teams or rolesDesign and implement non-trivial features with clear tradeoffs (performance, readability, complexity, security)Write solid tests (unit, integration, basic end-to-end) and help improve test coverage and reliabilityIdentify and address code smells, refactoring opportunities, and tech debt in your areaUnderstand core architecture patterns in use (microservices, event-driven, SPA, component-based UI) and work within them effectivelyOperate independently within your product area: scope work, make reasonable design decisions, and proactively raise risksAct as an escalation point for junior engineers when debugging issues or clarifying designsMentor others via pairing, feedback, and sharing context, not just fixing things yourselfLead medium-sized features from idea ? design ? implementation ? production ? follow-upDebug complex issues that span multiple components or services, including production incidentsMake incremental improvements to architecture, patterns, and tooling in your domainRequired QualificationsStrong proficiency in multiple programming languages and frameworksProven ability to design and deliver complex features across the full stackDeep understanding of software architecture patterns and design principlesExperience with automated testing strategies and test-driven developmentTrack record of mentoring junior engineers and improving team practicesStrong debugging and problem-solving skills across distributed systemsExperience with cloud platforms, containerization, and modern deployment practicesExcellent communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts clearlyPreferred QualificationsExperience with microservices architectures and distributed systemsFamiliarity with event-driven architectures and asynchronous processingBackground in performance optimization and scalabilityExperience working on government, defense, or mission-critical systemsKnowledge of security best practices and secure coding standardsContributions to open-source projects or technical communitiesExperience with observability tools and practices (logging, metrics, tracing)Familiarity with customer-facing environments, including Technical Exchange Meetings (TEMs) or similar collaborative forums with stakeholdersRequired Experience and Education:PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field and 0+ years of software engineering or related experience, ORMaster's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field and 2+ years of software engineering or related experience, ORBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field and 4+ years of software engineering or related experience, ORAssociate degree in a related field and 6+ years of software engineering or related experience, ORHigh School Diploma/GED and 8+ years of software engineering or related experience.You use modern AI tools with judgment: integrating them into workflows where they're impactful, reviewing their outputs, and handling proprietary or sensitive data responsibly.Salary Range (CO): $100,000 - $155,000 USDClearance Requirement: This position may require the ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance. To be eligible for a security clearance, U.S. citizenship is required, and an employee must agree to participate in a background screen and credit check. Eligibility for a TS/SCI Clearance will be assessed as part of the onboarding process or based on programmatic needs.About Bluestaq: At Bluestaq, we build secure data platforms that matter for space missions, national defense, healthcare systems, and commercial innovation. Founded in 2018, we've become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management by staying focused on what counts: modern architecture, operational excellence, and mission impact.We're engineers, problem-solvers, and builders who take the mission seriously, but not ourselves. We automate the repeatable, question the status quo, and design systems that are as reliable as they are scalable. Whether we're supporting space, defense systems, or healthcare advancements, we build with the same principles: cloud-native solutions, security by design, and relentless simplicity.Relocation: This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.Date the Position Closes: Applications will be accepted for 60 days beyond the posting date, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.Bluestaq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by state or local law.Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Bluestaq or a direct threat. Employees needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at View email address on click.appcast.io.