Software Engineer – Python & Kubernetes Integration

Awetomaton is seeking a Software Engineer to support the TAP Lab at the Boulder Ground Information Facility (BGIF) in Boulder, Colorado. You will work with a small team to adapt, integrate, test, and transition a prototype application that detects and separates closely spaced objects in EO/IR imagery. 

In this role, you will lead the software integration effort required to connect the Python-based prototype to operational message types, systems, and infrastructure. You will help transform research software into a reliable, maintainable application that can be deployed first in a testbed and ultimately in an operational Kubernetes environment. The application uses Python, NumPy, scikit-image, PyTorch, and Protocol Buffers–style messages. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, with three to seven years of relevant experience. 

This position must be performed on-site at the BGIF in Boulder, Colorado. An active SECRET security clearance is required. The anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000–$165,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and other job-related considerations. We are considering candidates through September, with a planned start date in October 2026.

Criteria for success 

• Communicate effectively in written and verbal form with engineers, users, and decision-makers.  
• Demonstrate initiative when working with limited guidance or ambiguous requirements.   
• Develop reliable and maintainable operational applications.   
• Design clear interfaces and resolve complex integration problems.   
• Develop automated tests that provide confidence in software behavior and algorithm performance.   
• Collaborate effectively within a small, multidisciplinary team. 

Required Experience and Skills 

• Bachelor of Science in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related engineering  
  discipline.  
• At least three years of professional software engineering experience.  
• At least one year of professional Python development experience.  
• Experience developing modular, reusable, and testable software.  
• Experience integrating software components through structured messages, APIs, or other defined interfaces.  
• Experience with container technologies such as Docker or Podman.  
• Experience with Linux-based development and deployment environments.  
• Proficiency with software configuration management using Git.  
• Active SECRET security clearance.  
• Ability to work on-site at the BGIF in Boulder, Colorado. 

Desired Education and Experience 

• Master of Science in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related discipline.  
• Experience deploying and operating applications in Kubernetes.  
• Experience defining or integrating Protocol Buffers messages.  
• Experience transitioning research or prototype software into testbed or operational environments.  
• Experience supporting Python applications that use NumPy, scikit-image, or PyTorch.  
• Familiarity with EO/IR, OPIR, GEOINT, image processing, or sensor-data systems.  
• Experience with automated build, test, security-scanning, and deployment pipelines.  
• Experience with GitFlow, GitOps, GitHub, GitLab, or comparable team-development workflows.  
• Experience diagnosing performance, memory, dependency, and data-compatibility issues in distributed systems. 

About Awetomaton

We build software that enables humans to make informed decisions from raw intel data, with a specialization in satellite collection. We are a Dayton-based defense startup that believes there is a critical skill & culture gap - one we are filling with high-output, mission focused engineering talent. Results matter to our customers. We've never lost a customer because we deliver what they need. Awetomaton is where you do work that matters with a passionate team in an environment that inspires your creativity.

Benefits

We provide industry leading benefits that balance your health & wellbeing today, as well as lay a solid financial future into retirement. Highlights of our benefit plan include:

• Flexible time off totaling 36 days / year. No approvals required.
• 100% 401k company match up to IRS annual limits. This is a benefit of up to $24,500 for 2026.
• Health plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield with Health Savings Account (HSA). We pay 95% of employee premiums including family plans.
• Employee favorite: Tech and Wellness reimbursement of $3000 / year. Treat yourself with the newest gadgets or athletic gear. No approvals required.
• Annual profit sharing as 401k contribution. No set percent and dependent on annual company performance. Benefit is above and beyond 401k match.
• MacBook laptop and well-equipped office spaces for optimal productivity in office and on-the-go.