You will lead the development of the operator-facing software layer for visual positioning systems deployed in high-stakes contested environments. Working across React, TypeScript, and Python, you will build critical mission planning tools and data workflows that enable autonomous aircraft to navigate without GPS for US DoD, SOCOM, and NATO customers.
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San Francisco, United States$160K - $220K + Equity
Senior Software Engineer at First Round Capital-backed defense tech startup
Join an elite 6-person team in San Francisco building the future of autonomous navigation. This YC S24 startup just raised $4.3M from First Round Capital to provide GPS-denied positioning for the US DoD and NATO. As a Senior Software Engineer, you will own the operator-facing product layer—building the mission planning and data tools that keep aircraft on course in contested environments. If you are a high-caliber builder with 3+ years of experience in React and Python who wants to ship software used in real-world military exercises, this is your chance to build critical defense infrastructure from the ground floor.
Overview
Role overview
Company
Theseus
YC-backed (S24) defense tech startup raised $4.3M from First Round Capital to build GPS-denied navigation for autonomous aircraft.
Responsibilities
What you will do
- Design and build mission planning applications, data workflows, and analysis tools that operators rely on for real-world deployments.
- Develop robust APIs and backend services that interface with edge-deployed systems and cloud-based map generation workflows.
- Collaborate directly with autonomy and field integration teams to translate complex operational needs into reliable, user-facing product features.
Candidate profile
Who this is a fit for
- 3-6 years of experience building production-grade software at high-caliber startups or technology companies with a focus on reliability.
- Expert-level proficiency in TypeScript, React, and Python with a proven track record of owning systems end-to-end.
- Strong engineering judgment and the ability to move quickly from ambiguous user requirements to shipped software in demanding operational settings.
What makes it remarkable
Why this role is remarkable
- Ship critical infrastructure for the next generation of autonomous systems with real-world impact in global defense and security.
- Rapid growth trajectory moving from a hackathon concept to military exercises and paying DoD/NATO contracts in under one year.
- High-autonomy environment within a lean, elite 6-person team, backed by top-tier investors like First Round Capital and Y Combinator.
Jack & Jill
How Jack & Jill work together
I get to know what you’re great at, then find roles you’d never find yourself.Ok, I'll go first. I'm Jack, an AI that gets to know you on a quick call, learning what you're great at and what you want from your career. Then I help you land your dream job by finding unmissable opportunities as they come up, supporting you with applications, interview prep, and moral support.
I recruit from Jack’s network and make the intro when I spot a great match.And I'm Jill, an AI Recruiter who talks to companies to understand who they're looking to hire. Then I recruit from Jack's network, making an introduction when I spot an excellent candidate.
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If it's a match and the company wants to meet you, they'll make the intro. In the meantime, if you'd like, Jack will send you excellent alternatives.
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