Principal Ground Software Developer

Katalyst Description:
We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture:
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You'll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it's harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.
What You'll Do

1. Understand needs for mission operations interfaces, telemetry formats, commanding, and current use cases.
2. Audit existing tooling to determine gaps in preparation for architecting and designing new ground software
3. Identify critical mission operations workflows and associate them with mission milestones
4. Train on console for upcoming mission operations

What you will own in the next 30 days:

1. Produce a cloud based design/ architecture on a scalable and resilient ground software
2. Help create automated tooling to improve ground procedures
3. Define developer the culture around coding standards, testing, and procedures
4. Mentor junior engineers
5. Improve and own deployment processes through CI/CD
6. Help own and create roadmaps needed to meet program milestones

What We Value:

1. System level thinker understanding cloud based scalable micro service systems
2. Strong desire to build and design something from the ground up
3. Able to understand and communicate customer needs into actionable items
4. Someone who strives for clarity and understanding, but can make do without perfect requirements
5. An operations first developer and architect
6. Someone willing to produce code not just sit back and design
7. A passion for automation and creating systems that streamline operations
8. Someone able to clearly explain trade offs in design and architecture creating trade studies when needed

Your Ideal Background:
Required:

1. 8-12+ years of cloud based scalable micro service architecture
2. 4+ years leading developers/ engineers
3. Experience building entire ground stacks from the ground up
4. Experience in creating high reliability production-critical systems
5. Experience with new space companies not traditional primes
6. Owned the process and procedure for deploying, testing and integrating into a full life cycle system
7. Deep technical fluency in cloud, backend, frontend, and streaming systems
8. AWS Suite (EKS, MSK, Timestream, S3, Batch, Event Bridge), Python, C++, React, Tailwind, Redis, Kafka, influx, QuestDB, MongoDB, git, CI/CD, Docker, K8
9. Minimum bachelor's degree in computer science or other related STEM fields
10. Master's degree preferred

Compensation and Benefits:
Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $180,000 - $240,000 annually.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.