Junior Associate Software Engineer (Early Career)

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by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on.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
JUNIOR ASSOCIATE SOFTWARE ENGINEER
to join our Space Communications team building a ground communications and data-transport platform for US government satellites.
This is an early-career role designed for engineers at the beginning of their professional journey who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to real-world software systems supporting satellite missions. Upon successful completion of the 12-month program and meeting performance expectations, junior engineers will be promoted to Associate Software Engineer.
In this role, you’ll work closely with experienced engineers, receive mentorship, and gradually take ownership of well-scoped features while building a strong foundation in software engineering best practices.
What You Will Be Focusing On

• Contribute to the development of features and improvements in a secure, well-tested, and performant way.
• Write code that meets our internal standards for style, maintainability, and best practices for a high-scale web environment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain a high bar for quality
• Work alongside senior engineers to advocate for improvements to product quality, security, and performance.
• Assist with unit and integration testing to identify and resolve bugs in the software.
• Work within an agile team environment and contribute to team discussion and planning.

You Might Be a Good Fit If You

• You have 0-1 years of professional experience in software development (internships, academic projects, or personal projects)
• Have basic understanding of software development concepts
• Are familiar with at least one programming language such as Python, C, Java or Rust
• Are eager to learn new technologies and grow your technical skillset
• Can communicate clearly and enjoy collaborating with others
• Have the ability to learn quickly and adapt to a fast-paced environment
• Are comfortable asking questions and working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline, such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or a related field

LOCATION
This is a hybrid role based in Colorado Springs, CO, with a combination of onsite and remote work.
Compensation
The salary for this position is $75,000 annually. Upon successful completion of the one-year early career program and demonstrated performance, compensation will be reviewed and increased in alignment with progression to the Associate Software Engineer level.
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.
Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security 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.
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.