Senior Backend Engineer

sphinxdefense

Colorado Springs, CO · Colorado Springs · United States

Posted Jul 6, 2026

Other
Hybrid
Engineering

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Job description

ABOUT SPHINX

Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.

We’re focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Sphinx is hiring a Senior Backend Engineer to join our team, building the next generation of mission planning and command and control software for space communications programs. This team is charged with creating modern, resilient services and capabilities to service the US Government for the next decade and beyond.

As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will play a key role in building a cutting-edge communications platform for US government satellites. Sphinx is hiring a Senior Backend Engineer to join our Space Communications team, building a ground communications and data-transport platform for US government satellites. As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will lead the development of core platform services and design and build technology to support the operations of various US government satellites. You'll work as both an individual contributor and a lead for more junior engineers.

You will have an outsized role in determining what we build and how we work. You'll work as both an individual contributor and a lead for more junior engineers.

What you will be focusing on:

Building multi-tenant services on public cloud platforms like AWS
Building, architecting, and consuming APIs and backend services as part of the platform ecosystem with an emphasis on automation, testing, and security
Advocating for improvements to product quality, security, and performance that have a particular impact on your team and others
Supporting junior engineering talent with mentorship or technical guidance
Interacting with customers and partners to help them integrate with our services
Scale the services and solve interesting Space Communication challenges

You might be a good fit if you have:

5+ years of progressively responsible software engineering experience
Have extensive experience with Python, FastAPI, Postgres, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform*
Demonstrable in-depth knowledge of at least one commercial cloud platform and its associated services
Led the architecture, development, and building of backend services and APIs to ensure performance, security, and reliability
An ability to successfully own technical problems end-to-end
Made enough mistakes and booked enough wins to know what not to build and what good looks like
Excellent communication skills, working with end-users to design and build solutions to their needs, a habit of self-directed learning of new technologies, and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to a fast-paced environment

LOCATION

This hybrid role requires a regular presence in Colorado Springs, CO.

COMPENSATION

This role is between $160,000 - $185,000 base salary.

BENEFITS

Compensation includes competitive salary, meaningful equity ownership, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, and 100% employer covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.

EEO STATEMENT

At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.