Senior Software Engineer – SDA

Katalyst Description:

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.

Katalyst Culture:

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. 

What You'll Do 

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

What We Value:

1. Strong ownership mentality – you’ll lead technical execution and ensure your features make it from development to production
2. Accountable – The team knows they’ll be able to depend on you
3. Curiosity – We are solving the hardest problems in space and want to hear everyone’s voice to ensure we’re always innovating
4. Leadership – You will be on a small team and will be empowered to help grow the culture and influence technical direction 

Your Ideal Background:

Required:

1. 5+ years of full-time software engineering experience
2. Experience working in the defense/space industry
3. Comfortable working in a small, fast-paced Agile environment
4. Strong communication skills and ability to execute under uncertainty
5. Familiarity with one or more of the following: Machine Learning, SDA, Backend Development
6. Proficiency in Linux, Python, SQL, Docker, and AWS
7. Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. security clearance 

Nice to Have: 

1. Experience instrumenting microservices with Observability (we use the LGTM stack)
2. 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 

Compensation and Benefits:  

Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.  The anticipated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $180,000 annually.

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.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

*remote work will require an exception from the hiring team