Senior Software Engineer – SDA

Katalyst Space Technologies • Flagstaff, AZ

7d

About The Position

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

Requirements

• 5+ years of full-time software engineering experience
• Experience working in the defense/space industry
• Comfortable working in a small, fast-paced Agile environment
• Strong communication skills and ability to execute under uncertainty
• Familiarity with one or more of the following: Machine Learning, SDA, Backend Development
• Proficiency in Linux, Python, SQL, Docker, and AWS
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Experience instrumenting microservices with Observability (we use the LGTM stack)
• Comfortable leading algorithm development across different SDA data modalities (EO, Orbital, RF, etc.) to solve problems such as anomaly detection, pattern-of-life modeling, or maneuver detection

Responsibilities

• Design and implement containerized microservices within an AWS environment (Lambda, ECS)
• Lead the design of relational database schemas (Postgres), prioritizing query performance engineering and indexing strategies to handle large, readily available SDA datasets
• Own the end-to-end feature development and integration of streaming and batch ETL pipelines
• Familiarity with deploying ML models in production and adding instrumentation to monitor model performance
• Help with architecture design and defining technical direction
• Mentor and help develop other less experienced engineers

Benefits

• Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed