Quindar

Backend Engineer - Security Cleared at Quindar (Denver, CO)

Quindar· Denver, CO· $120k–$180k·

Role details

Salary
$120k–$180k
Work type
Hybrid
Employment
Full-Time
Equity
Yes

Job description

QUINDAR

Quindar builds modern, cloud-native satellite mission operations software with a simple mission: to operate satellites like servers. Our platform replaces fragmented, legacy ground systems with an integrated, automation-driven approach that brings modern software velocity to space operations.

We're a small, fast-moving team with deep aerospace and software roots, energized by big challenges and motivated by the impact we have on real missions in this next chapter of the Space Age. If you want to work with sharp, ambitious people who push boundaries, move quickly, and are excited to take space operations to the next level, Quindar is the place to do it.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING 👨‍💻👩‍💻 🛰 🛰

You will be responsible for developing ground satellite operations software using Python and AWS services. Don't worry, you do not need to be an expert in satellites or understand space! Satellites are just flying servers you can connect to every 90 minutes but we connect to hundreds of them.

You will develop APIs, integrate with AWS services such as EC2, S3, RDS, Fargate, and EKS with a focus on scalability, security, cost, and performance of the software. Working closely with cross-functional teams to understand requirements, you will implement new features and troubleshoot issues. Your strong knowledge of AWS services and best practices will enable you to optimize resource utilization and automate processes, ultimately contributing to the efficient and reliable operations of thousands of satellites.

You will primarily be responsible for developing backend software capabilities, but the ideal candidate can contribute across backend software development, generative AI integrations, DevSecOps and CI/CD tooling, and software architecture design and maintenance.

Day to day, you will be a part of the engineering team of frontend and backend engineers working in an Agile Scrum environment.

Tech Skills

  • Proficiency in Python, GraphQL, Docker, and Terraform (or relevant Infrastructure-as-Code tools)
  • Experience designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting APIs of AI platforms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and AskSage
  • Strong knowledge of containerized applications
  • Familiarity with Kubernetes cluster deployments
  • Experience with AWS services such as Lambda, ECS, EKS, CloudWatch, S3, EFS/EBS, EC2, and RDS
  • Fluency in collaborative development using Git with platforms like GitHub or GitLab

Soft Skills

  • Deep technical analysis and troubleshooting skills
  • Independent self-starter; able to complete projects on time with minimal guidance
  • A high standard for software maintainability, quality, resilience, and performance
  • Strong cross-functional communication between frontend and backend engineers and product managers

Background Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (or related field)
  • 3+ years professional experience in backend development, full stack development or other related role. Professional experience can be replaced with a self-starter who has drive, the technical skills, and is obsessed with their product.
  • U.S. Person status required – we are not able to sponsor visas at this time.
  • Must have active U.S. Security Clearance

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

  • 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 pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING AT QUINDAR

  • We work in a cutting edge industry and you will get the opportunity to be part of a small team with a large direct impact on the success of our customers’ space missions!
  • We take work life balance very seriously. We require employees to take 15 days off but provide unlimited PTO and follow most US federal government holidays.
  • Mental health is just as important as physical so we provide quarterly health & wellness benefits.
  • Comprehensive health insurance for you and your family with 100% coverage for employees.
  • We encourage employees to save for retirement and provide 4% 401(k) matching.
  • Each quarter we have a 4-day company offsite. Previous locations include San Francisco, Nashville, Denver, Santa Fe, New Orleans, San Diego, Bozeman, and New York City.
  • Our culture and company is evolving. You will be key in creating the next major or minor version!

Why work at Quindar

  • Culture & Mission: A fast-paced, engineering-driven startup founded by operators who "lived the pain" of satellite operations. The mission is to democratize space and make satellite operations as reliable as cloud computing.
  • Growth Trajectory: The company is in a high-growth phase (68% headcount growth, 650% job posting growth YoY), offering significant career advancement opportunities.
  • Remote/Hybrid Policy: The company has a presence in Arvada, CO, and Irvine, CA, and appears to support remote work (job postings list multiple US locations). The Y Combinator profile lists "Irvine, CA, US / Arvada, CO, US" as locations.
  • Engineering Culture: Described as "automation first" and "mission ready." The team is composed of engineers from top aerospace and tech companies (OneWeb, Lockheed Martin, Boeing). The tech stack is modern (cloud-native, AWS GovCloud).
  • Notable Perks: Working on cutting-edge space technology with a direct impact on national security and commercial space infrastructure. The company is backed by top-tier investors (Y Combinator, Booz Allen).

Application questions