Senior Java Backend Developer Jobs in Cookeville, TN

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.
Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Red Cell Partners, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.
About the Role
Dispatch is developing ruggedized, field-deployable UxS charging infrastructure for defense applications and is seeking a Software Engineer to support the development of related software for next-generation autonomous systems support platforms for deployment in austere environments.
What You'll Do

• Implement and maintain features across the full stack for command and control (C2) applications, including web-based operator interfaces, backend services, and data integration layers, under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Build responsive front-end components for real-time situational awareness, mission planning, and asset management using modern frameworks.
• Develop and maintain backend services, APIs, and data pipelines that support telemetry ingestion and mission-critical workflows.
• Assist in integrating C2 software with tactical systems and platforms such as Lattice, ATAK, and other interoperability standards (CoT, TAK protocols, etc.).
• Help debug and troubleshoot networking and data-flow issues across the stack, applying a working understanding of the OSI model, particularly the lower/base layers (physical, data link, network, transport), to trace connectivity, latency, and packet-level problems.
• Collaborate with autonomy, robotics, and systems engineering teams to surface vehicle/asset status, sensor feeds, and control interfaces within operator dashboards.
• Support verification, validation, and testing activities, including simulation environments, integration testing, and operational exercises.
• Contribute to documentation including API specifications and interface control documents (ICDs) in compliance with federal defense standards.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 1+ years of experience (including internships, co-ops, or strong project work) in full-stack software development with exposure to modern front-end frameworks and backend technologies.
• Working knowledge of the OSI model, particularly the lower/base layers (physical, data link, network, transport), and basic networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, UDP, sockets, routing).
• Exposure to real-time data visualization, mapping/GIS technologies, or WebSocket / pub-sub architectures (through coursework, projects, or work experience).
• Familiarity with, or strong interest in, tactical data standards and military C2 ecosystems (ATAK, TAK Server, Cursor on Target, Lattice, or similar) - direct experience is a plus, not required.
• Basic understanding of containerization and microservices (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud services (AWS/Azure).
• Exposure to version control (Git) and CI/CD pipelines for building and testing software.
• Eagerness to learn defense software development processes, secure coding practices, and system hardening, with mentorship provided.

What Valinor Offers

• Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), among others.
• Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.
• We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.
• Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

Applicants must be a US Person and have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (active clearance preferred). Employees will have access to information, materials, and technologies subject to U.S. export controls, i.e., EAR and/or ITAR, and must be U.S. Persons, as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62, based in the United States.
Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!