Sr Staff / Senior Python Software Engineer

SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and Defense. For the past forty-five plus years, we have supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques to deliver world-class data exploitation capabilities supporting missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance; space domain awareness; and aircraft survivability missions.Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.Important Notice: SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts that require U.S. citizenship for all employees. SciTec cannot sponsor or assume sponsorship of employee work visas of any type. Further, U.S. citizenship is a requirement to obtain and keep a security clearance. Applicants that do not meet these requirement will not be considered.SciTec is seeking a Sr Staff / Senior Python Software Engineer to design, develop, and sustain high-quality software systems that power advanced analysis and real-time data processing workflows. This role centers on building distributed systems, microservices, and streaming data pipelines that support mission-critical operations for the Missile Defense Agency, including automation and orchestration of satellite mission management and missile-tracking workflows.The ideal candidate is a strong individual contributor with deep Python expertise, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to collaborate across scientific and technical disciplines. This engineer will influence technical direction through architectural leadership, mentorship, and ownership of a growing software product.ResponsibilitiesEngineeringDesign, implement, and maintain high-quality Python software that supports mission-critical program objectivesDeliver complex features end-to-end, from requirements gathering through deployment and validationBuild and maintain containerized, distributed microservices, including development, deployment, and automated testingDesign and operate real-time or near-real-time data processing and streaming workflowsEnsure the reliability, scalability, and performance of messaging systems and data pipelinesDevelop and maintain comprehensive automated test suites (unit, integration, and system tests)Promote strong engineering practices, including documentation, code quality, maintainability, and alignment with modern Python standardsCollaborationWork directly with advanced technical and scientific users and customers to translate analytical workflows into robust, production-ready softwareParticipate in Agile development activities, including code reviews, design discussions, and sprint planningCommunicate technical decisions, tradeoffs, and risks clearly to both engineering and program stakeholdersLeadership & GrowthIdentify technical risks and propose mitigation strategies to support program successMentor junior and mid-level engineers through code review, design guidance, and collaborative problem solvingContribute to long-term architectural planning and help define the future direction of the software productDrive knowledge sharing through documentation, design artifacts, and internal presentationsOther duties as assignedRequirementsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or a related technical field6+ years of professional software engineering experience, including delivering production-quality Python softwareStrong proficiency in Python, including modern language features, packaging, and best practicesHands-on experience building and maintaining microservice architectures and distributed systemsExperience designing and supporting real-time or near-real-time data processing pipelinesProficiency writing and maintaining automated tests (pytest or similar) across unit, integration, and system levelsProfessional experience developing software in Linux environmentsProficiency with Git and collaborative version-control workflowsSolid understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including modular design, maintainability, and performance considerationsDemonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-disciplinary technical and scientific usersStrong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality, well-tested, well-documented codeExcellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work in person at the Boulder, CO office locationAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD Security clearanceCandidates who have any of the following skills will be preferred:Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physical SciencesExperience working with scientific, remotely sensed, or mission-critical data processing workflowsFamiliarity with messaging and communication technologies such as Protocol Buffers (protobuf), ZeroMQ, Kafka, gRPC, or REST APIsProfessional experience with DevOps and CI/CD tooling, such as Docker, Podman, Jenkins, or GitLab CI/CDExperience contributing to or guiding Agile development processes and tools, such as JiraExperience mentoring engineers or contributing to technical leadership within a teamActive DoD security clearance* Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applications which are generated by AI will not be considered for employment.Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.BenefitsSciTec offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including:4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match100% company paid HSA Medical insurance, with a choice of 2 buy-up options80% company paid Dental insurance100% company paid Vision insurance100% company paid Life insurance100% company paid Long-term Disability insuranceShort-term Disability insuranceAnnual Profit-Sharing PlanDiscretionary Performance BonusPaid Parental LeaveGenerous Paid Time Off, including Holiday, Vacation, and Sick PayFlexible Work HoursThe pay range for this position is $126,000-$175,000 / year. SciTec considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. This is not a guarantee of compensation.#ND123SciTec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. xijylhu VET/Disabled.

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