Mission Software Engineer

Privateer Space, Inc., leverages geospatial data and artificial intelligence to provide critical insights across a variety of sectors and applications. In short, we help our customers know more, know better, and do better. Privateer is a leader in Earth intelligence and AI, integrating data from sea to space and everything in between to sculpt information into answers. Its advanced, user-centric geospatial analytics platform enables organizations to understand the present, anticipate the future, and make better decisions in the face of complex challenges. Co-founded by Apple pioneer Steve Wozniak, the company is committed to unlocking the valuable insights that will help problem-solvers address the world's toughest challenges and drive shared, sustainable use of our resources – on Earth and beyond. THE ROLE We are seeking a Mission Solutions/Software Engineer to help Privateer translate complex customer mission challenges into secure, resilient software solutions that deliver meaningful operational impact. As a technical leader within Business Development, you will bridge customer needs and Privateer’s technology, applying your engineering expertise and mission understanding to solve challenges in classified, contested, and disconnected environments. You will help shape how Privateer delivers mission-critical capabilities across cloud, edge, and on-premises environments while influencing customer outcomes, solution strategy, and the evolution of our products. Working across Engineering, Product, Cybersecurity, DevSecOps, and Business Development, you will play a critical role in connecting mission priorities to differentiated technology and advancing solutions that support Privateer’s growth and customer success. WHAT YOU’LL DO • Serve as the Business Development team’s technical lead throughout the opportunity lifecycle, from customer discovery through closure. • Engage customers and mission users to uncover operational needs, constraints, priorities, and decision criteria. • Translate customer requirements into differentiated solution concepts, architectures, implementation approaches, and value propositions. • Develop technical win strategies, resolve technical objections, and support opportunity qualification and capture decisions. • Lead technical demonstrations, prototypes, presentations, white papers, proposals, and responses to solicitations. • Coordinate with product, engineering, cybersecurity, DevSecOps, and industry partners to develop credible, executable solutions. • Architect mission software across cloud, edge, and on-premises environments using microservices, event-driven architectures, modular monoliths, and Modular Open Systems Approaches. • Design for classified, disconnected, intermittent, and bandwidth-limited environments. • Shape secure, resilient, scalable, and ATO-ready solutions using Agile delivery, AI-assisted development, automated CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code, testing, and observability. • Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate development, improve decision support, and solve operational challenges. • Communicate technical value, architectures, risks, and tradeoffs to technical, operational, acquisition, and executive audiences. • Maintain technical continuity through negotiations and opportunity closure, supporting transition from proposed solution to delivery. • Help define reusable solution patterns and technical standards for Privateer’s mission software portfolio. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. • Active Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI eligibility. • Ability to travel up to 25% + of the time • 3+ years of experience applying AI tools and techniques to software development, with a demonstrated ability to leverage AI to solve complex engineering problems. • Experience designing, architecting, and delivering large-scale software systems in complex or mission-critical environments. • Strong full-stack software development experience, with the ability to contribute across application, backend, and systems layers. • Experience with modern Agile DevSecOps practices, including automated CI/CD, cloud architecture, and Infrastructure as Code. • Working knowledge of cybersecurity, authorization, and accreditation requirements for software supporting defense or other highly regulated environments. • Experience engaging directly with customers or operational stakeholders to understand mission needs, workflows, technical challenges, and desired outcomes. • Ability to translate mission and customer needs into differentiated technical solutions, architectures, prototypes, and demonstrations. • Experience developing and presenting technical materials, including solution architectures, demonstrations, proposals, white papers, and technical responses. • Strong communication and stakeholder-engagement skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts, articulate value, and influence technical and non-technical audiences. • Mission-focused and adaptable mindset, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments where requirements evolve and software directly supports high-consequence mission s. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Experience deploying software in classified, contested, disconnected, or edge environments. • Familiarity with Modular Open Systems Approaches and Model-Based Systems Engineering. • Experience integrating AI or machine learning into operational software systems. • Knowledge of defense acquisition, cybersecurity, and ATO processes. • Experience working directly with warfighters, mission operators, or government technical stakeholders. COMPENSATION US Salary Range: $160,000.00 - 200,000.00 The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers, and are considered part of Privateer’s total compensation package. BENEFITS We believe great work happens when talented people have the flexibility, support, and resources to do their best work. We offer a competitive total rewards package designed to support our employees both at work and in life, including: • Competitive Compensation: Competitive base salary and opportunities for additional performance-based compensation, where applicable. • Top-Tier Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 100% of employee premiums covered by the company. • Flexible Time Off: A flexible time-off approach that gives employees the autonomy to take the time they need to recharge, travel, spend time with family, or simply unplug. • Work-Life Flexibility: A flexible, trust-based work environment designed to help employees balance meaningful work with life outside of work. • Paid Company Holidays: Time away to celebrate and recharge throughout the year. • Fun, Collaborative Culture: A team that values innovation, humor, collaboration, and having fun while doing meaningful, high-impact work. Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms, eligibility requirements, and company policies.