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. 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.