Senior Software Engineer

About Obviant:
The defense market is surging, but the data that drives it hasn’t kept up. Companies, government, and investors are forced to perform heavily manual processes and piece together hundreds of disparate sources to make decisions. Obviant is building a data source of truth and AI tools for defense acquisition to solve this. We fuse information from thousands of sources structured and unstructured to provide a cohesive picture of budgets, programs, the organizations running them, and much more. Whether it’s a company navigating GTM or a program manager developing capabilities, we provide all sides with the intelligence they need to execute effectively. We’re growing fast and backed by top funds and DoD/national security veterans.

We believe that public sector mission sets matter above anything else. If you feel the same way, we’d love for you to join us.

The Role:
You'll be architecting and scaling the core backend systems, APIs, and data infrastructure powering the next generation of defense intelligence tools. We move fast, ship often, and solve complex data and distributed systems problems with elegant, high-throughput solutions.

Our Tech Stack:
TypeScript, Node.js, Express, Next.js, PostgreSQL, ClickHouse, Databricks, and AWS.

Responsibilities:

• Architect Core Backend Systems: Design, build, and maintain low-latency, high-throughput APIs and microservices using TypeScript, Express, and Node.js (with Next.js server-side/API integrations where needed).

• Own End-to-End Data & Infrastructure: Shape and own backend features from database schema design to production deployment on AWS.

• Scale Data Storage & Analytics: Optimize relational workflows in PostgreSQL and build high-performance analytical queries and ingestion pipelines in ClickHouse and Databricks to fuse thousands of structured and unstructured defense data sources.

• Power AI/ML Workflows: Build the data pipelines, retrieval systems, and backend services that feed our AI/ML models and deliver real-time intelligence to users.

• Translate User Needs into Technical Architecture: Collaborate directly with product, data, and end-users to understand complex defense acquisition workflows and translate them into resilient backend architectures.
  

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of backend engineering experience, building and scaling production APIs, distributed systems, and data-intensive applications.

• Deep proficiency in TypeScript/Node.js and building RESTful or GraphQL APIs with frameworks like Express.

• Strong hands-on experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL query optimization, indexing, schema design) and analytical/columnar data stores (ClickHouse, Databricks, or similar big data platforms).

• Solid experience deploying, scaling, and managing cloud infrastructure on AWS.

• Proven track record of owning complex backend systems end-to-end from system architecture to monitoring and performance tuning.

• Comfortable thriving in the high-ownership, fast-paced environment of an early-stage startup.

• Government, govtech, or defense experience is welcome, though not required, a passion for the national security mission is a must.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
  

Compensation:
This role has a compensation range of $150,000 – $210,000 annually.

Our Principles

We live these every day. If they don't sound like you, this won't be a fit and we'd both rather know now.

• Impact. Our work matters. We take a lot of pride in building to advance mission outcomes.

• Overdeliver. We go above and beyond in everything we do - creating products and serving our users

• Hustle. We get stuff done, no matter what it takes.

• Empathy. Our users’ problems are our own. We don't push products, we solve problems.

• Humility. We’re not afraid to admit what we don’t know. Our job is to listen and grow.

• Integrity. Transparency & respect above all else. It’s non-negotiable, even when it isn't easy

Benefits & Structure

• Flexible schedule - We all have other things going on in our lives. Doctor visits, kids’ activities, dog walks - take care of it whenever you have to. And work from home when you need to.

• Sizeable equity - We’re building something with massive upside potential, and you’ll have ownership in that. This is ours.

• Flexible vacation time - Use what you want, as long as you’re taking care of what needs to get done.

• Full health, dental, and vision insurance.

To apply, visit obviant.com/careers

Obviant is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.