Backend Engineer

Software Engineering

Sphinx Defense is hiring a Backend Engineer in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Posted 6 July 2026. Apply directly on Sphinx Defense's own careers site — no account needed.

Apply at Sphinx Defense Save

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by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on.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 Backend Engineer to join our Space Communications team building a ground communications and data-transport platform for US government satellites. As a Backend Engineer you will lead the development of core platform services, designing and building technology to support the operations of a wide variety of US Government satellites. You'll work as both an individual contributor and a lead for more junior engineers.

We’re looking for a track record of the following:

Experience working on multi-tenant services on public cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP
Developing and consuming APIs and services as part of platform ecosystem
Developing with an emphasis on automation and security
Willingness to own a technical problem end-to-end
A habit of self-directed learning of new technologies
The ability to work well with a team
The ability to communicate clearly

You might be a good fit if:

You have 3-5+ years’ of progressively responsible software engineering experience
You have extensive experience with Python, FastAPI, postgres, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform
You have experience architecting and building APIs and backend services
You can demonstrate in-depth knowledge of at least one commercial cloud platform and its associated services
Are comfortable working with some ambiguity and able to self-direct your work
You’ve made enough mistakes and booked enough wins to know what not to build and know what good looks like

Nice to have:

Prior experience working in space, satellite communications, or building ground systems.

LOCATION

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

COMPENSATION

This role is between $138,000 - $167,000 base salary.
Quarterly bonus structure
Equity ownership in the company
100% Premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision for you and dependents
Health Savings Accounts
Life Insurance
401k employer contribution plan
Flexible paid time off policy
Flexible work/remote work policy

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.

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.

Listings are read directly from each employer's careers system (Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, SmartRecruiters and Workday) and refreshed daily. hire.run never copies other job boards, and Apply always goes to the employer's own site.