Senior Software Engineer
About this role
Who we are
Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.
About the role
Legion is Picogrid's core platform: it connects sensors, cameras, drones, and third-party systems into a single operational picture that military users rely on in live missions. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll own significant pieces of that platform end to end — from API design through deployment and operation in production.
You'll work on things like:
Designing and building backend services in Go — REST and gRPC APIs and event-driven pipelines that serve real-time sensor and video feeds.
Building integrations that connect Legion to hardware devices and common operating pictures (COP) like TAK, so data flows to operators wherever they are.
Building command-and-control (C2) capabilities — tasking systems that let operators connect and task any device in the field, from cameras to drones to sensors, through a single interface.
Designing the data models and ingestion pipelines that keep high volumes of telemetry, detections, and geospatial data queryable at mission scale.
Everything you build runs in production across cloud and disconnected edge environments, so the problems are system-level: data arriving from unreliable networks, integrations with hardware that doesn't follow the spec, and users who need the platform to work the first time, every time. You'll talk directly with the operators and partners who use what you build, and you'll frequently ship something one week that's used in the field the next.
This role fits an engineer who wants ownership over outcomes rather than tickets — someone who is comfortable making architectural decisions, holds a high bar for code quality and testing, and finds it motivating (not stressful) that their work has an immediate, tangible effect on national security.
Required Qualifications
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
5+ years of hands-on backend engineering experience in fast-paced, production environments using Go, Python, TypeScript, or similar languages.
Strong background in APIs, distributed systems, data pipelines, or real-time processing.
Deep experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL), object stores (e.g., S3, MinIO), and geospatial tools.
Strong grasp of HTTP APIs (REST, gRPC, GraphQL) and authentication/authorization models.
History of working directly with customers to build and deliver meaningful software.
Demonstrated ability to operate with urgency, ownership, and high engineering standards.
Preferred Qualifications
Exposure to DOD IL5+, Top Secret, and JWICS environments, including understanding of DOD RMF, FedRAMP, or NIST 800-53.
Experience supporting Golang-based applications in production.
Experience building plugins or integrations for common military command-and-control (C2) platforms (e.g. TAK, Maven, Lattice).
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary range: $150,000 - $220,000 per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.
Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company
401(k) with employer matching
Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
Paid parental leave for both parents
Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette
Free EV charging at the HQ
Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer
Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.