Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and capital-efficient approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to support a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and supporting a growing space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to design, build, and operate its own spacecraft in orbit. Next, Haven-1 is targeted to become the world’s first commercial space station, with launch anticipated in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced two new offerings leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo: Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line; and Vast Lunar Systems, power, communications, and habitats for the Moon.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities capable of manufacturing America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for Mars, dedicated modules for government partners, and other crewed systems designed to unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for a Senior Software Engineer , Backend reporting to the Senior Manager, Software Engineering to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time , exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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.

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.

Additional Requirements:

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.

Specific certifications, as appropriate.

Pay Range:

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

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

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

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

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. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 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 of vacation 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, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.