Software Engineer
HEO· startup· Defense & Space· Sep 2, 2026 · 2mo ago
Arlington, VA, US
In office
Full-time
Senior
$160K–$220K est.
2+ years exp
Job description
Software Engineer
We are a rapidly growing, US-based space startup revolutionizing satellite imaging using advanced in-orbit capabilities. Specifically, our expertise lies in leveraging in-space assets for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Non-Earth Imaging (NEI). As an international company, we navigate a unique landscape while delivering critical services to our clients. Having recently secured several significant contracts, we are expanding our team to meet the exciting demands of our growth.
To support this next phase, we’re building a high-performing, interdisciplinary team capable of pushing the boundaries of space technology. We’re looking for talented, passionate people who value collaboration, growth, and learning to join us.
HEO is a post Series-B company backed by high profile venture funds including Airtree, Y Combinator, In-Q-Tel and Beaten Zone Venture Partners. We are headquartered in Sydney with offices in London, Tokyo, Washington DC and France.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Software Solutions Engineer to provide technical execution and software development support for our major US Government (USG) programs. In this role, you will help design, build, and deliver bespoke software solutions for national security stakeholders. This is not a siloed front-end or back-end role, you will work across the stack on non-recurring engineering (NRE) projects, taking experimental concepts to operational deployment, and rapidly prototyping features based on specific USG mission needs.
As an early engineering hire at HEO USA, you will play a hands-on role in scaling our domestic engineering capabilities. While working as an individual contributor, you will collaborate closely with our established Australia-based software team to transition core technologies into mission-ready software for the US market.
Key Responsibilities
• Pipeline Automation: Drive the "Prototype to Ops" pipeline that operationalizes custom mission capabilities into robust software. Write, test, and implement Python-based software to automate the collection of NEI and critical SDA data for our Space Imagery Analyst (SIA) team.
• MVP & Prototype Development: Rapidly build end-to-end minimum viable products (MVPs), APIs, and experimental features to test directly with USG customers for fast feedback loops.
• Productionizing Core Capabilities: Work closely with cross-functional teams to transform mission modeling, orbital mechanics, and image processing concepts into high-performance, production-grade cloud software.
• Platform & UI Enhancement: Support the expansion of HEO’s proprietary platform, HEO Inspect for national security stakeholders. Develop features, responsive tools, and data visualizations that enhance interactivity and user experience.
• Technical Program Support: Serve as a key technical interface for USG projects, helping to translate complex aerospace system capabilities into software requirements and functional solutions.
Qualifications
• Experience: 2–5+ years of industry experience in software engineering, developing end-to-end applications, or building custom technical software solutions. Experience working with or in support of the US Intelligence Community (IC) or DoD is highly preferred.
• Core Technical Proficiencies: Strong proficiency in Python and standard object-oriented programming concepts. Solid experience building end-to-end applications, including API development (e.g., Django, FastAPI), persistent storage/databases, and deployment pipelines (CI/CD).
• Cloud & Modern Infrastructure: Experience deploying and maintaining applications in cloud environments (AWS preferred).
• Adaptable Stack Mentality: Comfort working fluidly across backend services, data pipelines, and light frontend/visualization updates (experience with TypeScript or React is a plus, but not required).
• Collaborative Mindset: Strong communication and critical thinking skills as you'll be engaging with customers and external partners. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively across international, cross-functional teams.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Security Requirement: Active Top Secret clearance preferred; must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US government Top Secret security clearance.
Rewards & Benefits
We understand that a competitive offer extends beyond base salary. As a rapidly growing startup, we're committed to building a highly motivated team and believe in sharing our success. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent:
• Competitive Base Salary: We offer a strong base salary commensurate with your experience and the significant impact you'll have on our growth.
• Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP): As an early-stage employee, you'll receive a meaningful grant of employee stock options. This provides you with an ownership stake in our company and the opportunity to share directly in our future success. We believe in aligning your contributions with our collective growth, offering substantial upside potential as we achieve our ambitious milestones.
• Company-sponsored 401(k): Matching contributions vested immediately.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Your well-being is a priority. We provide a robust employer-sponsored healthcare plan to ensure you and your family have access to quality medical care.
• Generous Paid Time Off: We value work-life balance and offer annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plus additional dedicated sick days.
• Paid Federal Holidays: Enjoy all federal holidays throughout the year, allowing you to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
What We Value:
You’ll love being on our team if you are someone who:
• Thrives in an ambiguous, semi-structured and dynamic environment.
• Upholds the highest level of integrity.
• Is proactive and takes initiative.
• Isn’t afraid to pitch in where the team needs you most.
• Can be depended on to do what they say and uphold their end of the teamwork.
• Is innovative, agile and flexible.
• Fully believe if you’re not having fun doing what you do, you are in the wrong place.
HEO USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sex stereotyping, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
As a federal contractor, we are committed to affirmative action for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to contribute to their fullest potential.
We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact heo_usa@heospace. com
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- Platform
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Benefits
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Vision
401(K)
Pto
Paid Time Off