Senior Software Engineer, Backend

About the role

Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. As a Senior Software Engineer, Backend, you will support the development of the systems required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This is a full-time, exempt position located in Long Beach.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain scalable backend services, tools, and pipelines supporting mission-critical security systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design and implement secure, high-performance services and APIs.
• Develop and maintain backend infrastructure for authentication, authorization, and secure data handling.
• Establish and promote best practices for backend architecture, security, and code quality at scale.
• Build systems that are reliable, observable, and capable of supporting a rapidly growing codebase and engineering team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of backend software engineering experience, with exposure to security-focused systems (e.g., IAM, API security, certificate management).
• Strong experience building and operating backend services in cloud environments.
• Proficiency in at least one modern programming language (Python, Go, Rust, C++, etc.).
• Solid understanding of distributed systems, API design, and backend architecture.
• Experience working in Linux environments, including command line and scripting.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience solving ambiguous, complex backend problems in fast-paced environments.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience designing and scaling APIs and microservices.
• Background in one or more security domains (e.g., cryptography, network security, infrastructure security).
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams.
• Ownership mindset with a bias toward action and continuous improvement.

Pay

Senior Software Engineer, Backend: $159,000 - $226,000

Staff Software Engineer, Backend: $188,600 - $267,000

Pay Range: California $159,000—$267,000 USD

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package.

Benefits

• Company equity.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off: up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days for non-exempt staff, with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• ClassPass credits.
• Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health.
• Other discounts and perks.
• Exceptional food perks: snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals free of charge; lunch subsidized.

U.S. export control compliance is required; the person hired must be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing.