Software Engineer – Python & Kubernetes Integration

Awetomaton is seeking a Software Engineer to support the TAP Lab at the Boulder Ground Information Facility (BGIF) in Boulder, Colorado. You will work with a small team to adapt, integrate, test, and transition a prototype application that detects and separates closely spaced objects in EO/IR imagery.

In this role, you will lead the software integration effort required to connect the Python-based prototype to operational message types, systems, and infrastructure. You will help transform research software into a reliable, maintainable application that can be deployed first in a testbed and ultimately in an operational Kubernetes environment. The application uses Python, NumPy, scikit-image, PyTorch, and Protocol Buffers–style messages. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, with three to seven years of relevant experience.

This position must be performed on-site at the BGIF in Boulder, Colorado. An active SECRET security clearance is required. The anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000–$165,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and other job-related considerations. We are considering candidates through September, with a planned start date in October 2026.

Criteria for success

• Communicate effectively in written and verbal form with engineers, users, and decision-makers. 
• Demonstrate initiative when working with limited guidance or ambiguous requirements.  
• Develop reliable and maintainable operational applications.  
• Design clear interfaces and resolve complex integration problems.  
• Develop automated tests that provide confidence in software behavior and algorithm performance.  
• Collaborate effectively within a small, multidisciplinary team.

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor of Science in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related engineering discipline. 
• At least three years of professional software engineering experience. 
• At least one year of professional Python development experience. 
• Experience developing modular, reusable, and testable software. 
• Experience integrating software components through structured messages, APIs, or other defined interfaces. 
• Experience with container technologies such as Docker or Podman. 
• Experience with Linux-based development and deployment environments. 
• Proficiency with software configuration management using Git. 
• Active SECRET security clearance. 
• Ability to work on-site at the BGIF in Boulder, Colorado.

Desired Education and Experience

• Master of Science in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related discipline. 
• Experience deploying and operating applications in Kubernetes. 
• Experience defining or integrating Protocol Buffers messages. 
• Experience transitioning research or prototype software into testbed or operational environments. 
• Experience supporting Python applications that use NumPy, scikit-image, or PyTorch. 
• Familiarity with EO/IR, OPIR, GEOINT, image processing, or sensor-data systems. 
• Experience with automated build, test, security-scanning, and deployment pipelines. 
• Experience with GitFlow, GitOps, GitHub, GitLab, or comparable team-development workflows. 
• Experience diagnosing performance, memory, dependency, and data-compatibility issues in distributed systems.