Software/Database Engineer

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center.

Relative Dynamics is seeking a Software/Database Engineer in Sioux Falls, SD, to support the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. This is a full-time, hybrid position requiring consistent collaboration with team members, scientists, and mission partners. This role is not eligible for remote work.

In partnership with NASA and the Landsat project, this position supports Landsat product generation, which processes satellite imagery used by scientists, researchers, government agencies, and organizations around the world. You will develop and optimize database infrastructure that supports operational satellite data processing and future Earth observation initiatives.

What You'll Get to Do:

• Contribute to meaningful, mission-critical Earth science initiatives

• Develop software supporting one of the world's longest-running satellite programs

• Work alongside experienced engineers and scientists who value innovation

• Apply advanced database engineering techniques to large-scale database systems

• Solve complex performance and scalability challenges

• Work with modern cloud technologies and scientific data-processing platforms

• Design, develop, and maintain database components

• Develop software primarily in Python

• Optimize workflows to reduce runtime and improve overall efficiency

• Design and maintain applications that write to and query relational databases

• Support cloud-based architecture and workflows

• Perform software planning, requirements refinement, and technical design activities

• Develop, execute, and document unit and integration tests

• Troubleshoot operational processing issues and implement corrective actions

• Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and technical discussions

• Collaborate closely with Systems Engineers, Software Engineers, Scientists, and mission stakeholders

What You'll Need:

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• Three or more years of professional software engineering or database development experience

• Experience developing software in Python within Linux/Unix environments

• Experience supporting cloud computing environments

• Experience interfacing with relational database systems

• Three years of continuous residency in the United States for issuance of a Government Security credential

• Ability to obtain and maintain a national agency check and background investigation for facility access

Required Skills

• Strong proficiency in Python programming

• Experience writing software that interfaces with databases

• Relational database experience

• Linux/Unix expertise

• Experience improving software performance and decreasing processing runtime

• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle practices

• Experience with Git-based source control management

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a highly skilled technical team

Desired Qualifications/Skills

• AWS cloud services experience

• Postgres database experience

• Experience with AI-assisted software development and documentation tools

• Experience with Parquet

What You'll Enjoy:

• Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact

• Join a high-performing team that works together on meaningful, mission-driven work and support each other.

• Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.