Backend Engineer

About this role

Sphinx is seeking a Backend Engineer to develop core platform services for a ground communications and data-transport system supporting US government satellites. You'll design scalable backend infrastructure, lead technical initiatives, and mentor junior engineers while working with modern cloud and open-source technologies.

What you'll do

• Design and build core platform services for satellite ground communications systems
• Develop multi-tenant APIs and backend services on cloud platforms
• Lead end-to-end ownership of technical problems and mentor junior engineers
• Implement infrastructure automation, security practices, and infrastructure-as-code
• Architect and maintain database schemas, services, and platform ecosystem integrations
• Collaborate with team to solve ambiguous problems in space communications domain

What they're looking for

• Python and FastAPI
• PostgreSQL
• AWS (or Azure/GCP)
• Docker and Kubernetes
• Terraform or infrastructure-as-code
• API design and microservices architecture
• Cloud platform services and multi-tenant system design
• Security-focused development practices

Benefits

• Competitive salary ($138,000–$167,000 base)
• Quarterly bonus structure and equity ownership
• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents
• Health Savings Accounts and life insurance
• 401(k) employer contribution plan
• Flexible PTO and remote work policy

Likely interview questions

• Walk us through a multi-tenant system you've designed—how did you handle data isolation and scalability?
• Describe a time you owned a technical problem end-to-end. What challenges did you face and how did you resolve them?