Senior Backend Software Engineer (Python / FastAPI)
Summary
Senior backend engineer at a defense tech startup building real-time Python/FastAPI services and data pipelines that ingest, process, and stream radar sensor data (detections, tracks, telemetry) to operators with low latency, including storage, replay, and live 3D geospatial views. On-site in San Francisco; $140k–$240k base plus pre-IPO stock options.
Senior Backend Software Engineer (Python / FastAPI)
San Francisco, CA (On-site) | $140k–$240k base + pre-IPO stock options
Build the real-time backend that turns radar sensor data into decisions people can act on.
CHAOS Industries is a defense tech company founded in 2022 that has raised $1B from investors including 8VC, Accel and Valor Equity Partners. You’ll own the backend services and data pipelines that move sensor data from radars in the field to the operators who depend on it.
What you’ll do
- Build high-performance Python services that ingest, process and distribute real-time sensor data with low latency, high reliability and security at scale
- Build high-performance Python (FastAPI) services that ingest, process and distribute real-time data securely at scale
- Own streaming, storage and replay of detections, tracks and telemetry for live and playback 3D geospatial views
- Build the decision layer that coordinates a growing fleet of sensors as field conditions change
- Shape platform architecture for new capabilities, scale and long-term maintainability
You’re a fit if you have
- Strong production experience building backend services in Python (FastAPI or similar)
- Built real-time or streaming data systems: message queues, WebSockets, time-series data
- Owned a production system end to end: designed it, shipped it, fixed it when it broke
- Real leverage from AI coding tools, with a considered view on what to delegate and what not to
- Based in, or willing to relocate to, the San Francisco Bay Area (this role is on-site)
Nice to have
- Geospatial or 3D data visualization in TypeScript and React
- Edge computing, or moving data reliably over constrained or unreliable networks
- Azure or another major cloud platform
- Hardware, sensors, robotics, telemetry or defense systems
What you get
- Medical, dental and vision, 100% paid by the company
- 401k with 50% company match up to 6% of pay, plus FSA, HSA and life insurance
- Pre-IPO stock options, relocation assistance, and annual bonuses (coming soon)
- Unlimited PTO and a casual dress code
- Free daily lunch while you’re working on-site, plus a fully stocked kitchen
Pay range shown is base salary only and excludes equity, bonuses and benefits. Actual offers vary based on experience, skills and business needs.
Please note: Must be a U.S. Person as defined under U.S. export control regulations, as required for access to controlled technology, and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
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Skills
As published by greenhouse · 7 questions
Basics
First Name, Last Name, Preferred First Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Cover Letter
Short answers (2)
- Website optional
- LinkedIn Profile optional
Pick from a list (5)
- I live within commutable distance of or am willing to relocate to the location where this position is based.
- Are you authorized to work for any employer in the United States?
- Are you a U.S. Person (i.e. a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) who can obtain and maintain a Security Clearance?
- Do you presently hold an active U.S. security clearance, or are you eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?
- Are you any of the following “protected individual(s)” as defined in the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)?
