ABOUT SPHINX

Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.

We’re focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Sphinx is hiring a Full Stack Software Engineer to join our team building the next generation of mission planning and command and control software for space communications programs. This team is tasked with creating modern, resilient services and capabilities to support the U.S. Government.

As a Full Stack Software Engineer, you will contribute to the development of intuitive, high-quality user interfaces and front-end experiences for Sphinx’s space vehicle mission planning platform, while also working across backend services, APIs, databases, and system integrations. You’ll own well-defined features from development through deployment, collaborate closely with other engineers and cross-functional partners, and help deliver reliable software that meets user and mission needs.

What you will be focusing on:

Building intuitive, responsive, and maintainable user experiences using technologies such as JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Angular, and/or Vue
Translating design mockups, user feedback, and defined system requirements into functional and intuitive user interfaces
Developing clean, well-tested, and maintainable code while following established engineering practices and standards
Owning small-to-medium features from development through testing and deployment, identifying edge cases and raising risks or dependencies along the way
Building and improving APIs and backend services that support front-end applications and system capabilities
Developing and maintaining backend functionality using technologies such as Python, SQL, RESTful APIs, and containerized architectures
Collaborating with QA and other engineering disciplines to understand acceptance criteria, troubleshoot defects, validate functionality, and meet functional and technical requirements
Writing and maintaining automated unit, integration, and functional tests to validate software functionality
Participating in code reviews, incorporating feedback, and providing constructive feedback to teammates
Making sound engineering tradeoffs within your area of ownership and seeking additional context or guidance when appropriate
Communicating assumptions, dependencies, and technical considerations early to minimize rework and support successful delivery
Contributing to improvements in product usability, quality, security, performance, and maintainability

You might be a good fit if you have:

2–5 years of professional web or software development experience using modern development approaches
Strong front-end development fundamentals, including an understanding of modern UI development principles, component-based architecture, responsive design, performance, and usability
Experience with JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, and modern front-end frameworks such as React, Angular, and/or Vue
Experience translating designs, user needs, and defined requirements into production-quality user experiences
Full-stack development experience with exposure to backend systems, including Python, API development and integration, application architecture, and service-to-service communication
Experience working with relational databases and SQL, including querying and integrating data into web applications
Experience developing, consuming, and integrating APIs between front-end applications and backend services
Familiarity with modern containerized and microservices architectures using technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
Experience collaborating with QA throughout the software development lifecycle, including working with acceptance criteria, troubleshooting defects, and validating functionality
Experience writing automated tests and developing software against defined user, functional, and technical requirements
Understanding of software engineering best practices, including code reviews, version control, automated testing, security, performance, and maintainability
Ability to independently own well-defined features, prioritize work, identify edge cases, and communicate risks or dependencies
Ability to make sound engineering decisions within familiar problem areas and recognize when additional guidance or clarification is needed
Strong communication skills and experience collaborating with engineers, end users, and cross-functional teams
Experience developing, testing, or deploying software within air-gapped or highly secure government network environments
Ability to hold and maintain a U.S. Government TS/SCI clearance

Bonus points if you have the following:

Experience designing and developing intuitive user interfaces featuring real-time, 2D/3D geospatial visualizations
Experience building software for mission-critical, defense, aerospace, or other highly secure environments
Actively hold a U.S. Government Secret clearance

LOCATION

While this role is remote, the potential for travel may occur such as client visits, company gatherings, and other project related travel as needed may be required.

COMPENSATION

This role is between $130,000 and $157,000 base salary.

BENEFITS

Compensation includes competitive salary, meaningful equity ownership, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, and 100% employer covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.

ELIGIBILITY

Must be a US Citizen and be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance and be eligible to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance .

EEO STATEMENT

At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

About the company

Sphinx Defense develops software systems that tackle complex national security challenges for the United States and its allies. Their products are built to help government and partner organizations analyze data, detect threats, and support decision-making in security matters. By focusing specifically on defense-related software for national security and working with American and allied partners, Sphinx Defense differentiates itself from broader tech vendors. The company's goal is to provide reliable software solutions that protect national security interests and enhance allied defense capabilities.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Washington DC, District of Columbia

Founded

2020

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

July 27, 2026's $287 million OTA dwarfs earlier $9.5 million prototype work.
ESS Phase 3 follows Phases 1 and 2, proving technical credibility.
FY2027 Space Force funding still supports ESS and GRIFFON through 2031.

What critics are saying

Sphinx depends on one customer, the Space Force, for nearly all revenue.
OTA awards bypass FAR safeguards; protests or redesigns can reopen awards.
A cybersecurity failure in nuclear command software would end the company.

What makes Sphinx Defense unique

Space Force chose Sphinx Defense on July 27, 2026, for ESS mission planning.
It already prototyped Joint Antenna Marketplace and Rapid Resilient C2 ground systems.
It sells nuclear command software, not commodity satellite tooling.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Profit Sharing
Company Equity
Hybrid Work Options

Company News

GovCon Wire

Jul 28th, 2026

Sphinx Defense books $287M Space Force ESS Mission Planning OTA agreement.

Sphinx Defense books $287M Space Force ESS Mission Planning OTA agreement. * Sphinx Defense has booked a Space Force OTA agreement for ESS mission planning * The Phase 3 award follows two earlier prototyping phases * The 2026 Air and Space Summit this Thursday will explore AI, Golden Dome and more As the Space Force advances its strategic satellite communications architecture, government and industry leaders will gather at the Potomac Officers Club's 2026 Air and Space Summit this Thursday to discuss artificial intelligence, commercial space relay, interoperable optical networks, Golden Dome and more. Register now to join the conversation shaping the future of air and space acquisition. Space Systems Command said Monday the acting Space Force portfolio acquisition executive for satellite communications and positioning, navigation and timing awarded the Phase 3 agreement to Sphinx Defense through the Space Enterprise Consortium. What is the scope of the Phase 3 OTA agreement? The Phase 3 OTA agreement directs Sphinx Defense to develop and complete prototyping of the ESS Mission Planning application. The award builds on designs produced during Phases 1 and 2, which were competitive prototyping efforts intended to develop a best-in-class application for ESS mission planning. The application is intended to prepare the ground segment to manage complex global scenarios and integrate into the broader ESS enterprise. "System Delta 88 must field this crucial nuclear command, control, and communications satellite mission planning capability with combat quality, combat speed, and combat responsiveness to win the high-end fight in contested environments," said Col. Ryan Rose, System Delta 88 commander. What is evolved strategic SATCOM? According to SSC, ESS is a satellite communications system of the Department of War that will serve as the next generation of strategic nuclear command, control and communications. The system is designed to deliver secure, jam-resistant and survivable communications, enabling the president, the DOW secretary and other national leaders to command and control U.S. forces worldwide. What is Sphinx Defense? Sphinx Defense is a defense technology company focused on developing software designed to address complex national security problems facing the U.S. and its allies by supporting satellite operations and ground data transfers. The company's work builds on other recent government contracts. In 2025, Sphinx Defense received a contract from SSC to build a secure cloud-based Joint Antenna Marketplace prototype designed to connect satellite operations centers to government and commercial antennas. In 2024, the company won a spot on a potential $1 billion Space Force contract to develop a next-generation ground system for military satellites as part of the Rapid Resilient Command and Control program.

Defense Daily

Jul 27th, 2026

Space Force awards ESS Mission Planning app to Sphinx Defense.

Space Force awards ESS Mission Planning app to Sphinx Defense. Monday, July 27th, 2026 The Space Force's Space Systems Command on Monday said it awarded a $287 million contract to Sphinx Defense to develop and complete a prototype of the mission planning application to support command and control of U.S. nuclear forces. The Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) Mission Planning Other Transaction Authority Phase 3 agreement was awarded through the Space Enterprise Consortium and was made by the acting Space Force Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing. "This award delivers... Not a subscriber or registered user yet? Please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 888-707-5814 (Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET.), to start a free trial, get pricing information, order a reprint, or post an article link on your website.

Sphinx Defense

Full Stack Software Engineer

About the job