Backend Engineer

About this role

Sphinx is hiring a Backend Engineer to build core platform services for a ground communications system supporting US Government satellites. You'll design scalable, secure backend infrastructure using modern cloud technologies while mentoring junior engineers and working end-to-end on technical problems.

What you'll do

• Design and develop core backend services for satellite ground communications platform
• Build and maintain multi-tenant APIs and services on AWS/cloud platforms
• Lead technical architecture decisions and mentor junior engineers
• Implement infrastructure-as-code and automation for security and deployment
• Own technical problems from conception through production deployment
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on platform ecosystem integration

What they're looking for

• Python and FastAPI
• PostgreSQL database design
• AWS (or Azure/GCP) cloud platforms
• Docker and Kubernetes containerization
• Terraform infrastructure-as-code
• API design and backend service architecture
• Security and automation best practices
• Leadership and mentorship

Benefits

• Salary $138,000–$167,000 with quarterly bonuses
• Equity ownership in the company
• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) employer contribution plan
• Flexible paid time off and remote work policy
• Health Savings Accounts and life insurance

Likely interview questions

• Describe a multi-tenant service you built on a cloud platform—how did you handle data isolation and security?
• Tell us about a time you owned a technical problem end-to-end. What challenges did you face and how did you resolve them?