Senior Software Engineer (Remote Sensing) in Alexandria

Job Description

Senior Software Engineer (Remote Sensing) — Arlington, VA | $155k–$185k Base

If you've worked in remote sensing or satellite systems and want to own software that directly supports real-world operations, this is worth a look.

I'm working with a growing aerospace organization that's hiring multiple Senior Software Engineers to build the ground and backend software behind its remote sensing platform. This isn't a role where you'll own one small piece of a much larger system. They need engineers who understand how these systems work together and can jump in across the stack when needed.

You'll be working primarily in Python, building backend services and REST APIs supporting satellite operations, ground systems, mission scheduling, command and control, and communications.

There's a lot of autonomy here. You'll have the opportunity to own projects from initial design through production, make architectural decisions, work directly with operations, and help guide other engineers without having to move into a formal management role.

What you'll need:

• Strong remote sensing experience — this is a must!!!
• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience
• Strong Python backend development
• Experience building production REST APIs and backend services
• Experience across satellite operations, ground systems, aerospace, mission software, or command-and-control systems
• Exposure to scheduling systems, ideally satellite or mission scheduling
• Experience working across a broader system rather than one isolated component
• Proven ownership of projects from design and architecture through production
• Strong system design and software architecture fundamentals
• Ability to operate independently, make technical decisions, and mentor other engineers

They're particularly interested in engineers who understand the bigger operational picture. You don't need to have built every piece of a remote sensing system yourself, but you should have enough breadth to contribute at different points across the system and understand how your software impacts the mission.

Location: Arlington, VA, 5 days onsite. Relocation assistance may be available.

Compensation: $155k–$185k base DOE + benefits, with potential flexibility for an exceptional fit.

If you've built software behind remote sensing, satellites, ground systems, or mission-critical aerospace platforms and this sounds like your kind of challenge, apply or reach out to me directly!