Senior Software Engineer

About the role

The Axion Data team develops the infrastructure required to train perception models for defense applications. You will manage the full data lifecycle, from edge-based model execution to cloud-based ingestion and continuous improvement pipelines. In this capacity, you will architect the systems that ensure data integrity from the tactical edge to strategic analysis. The role requires deep collaboration with machine learning engineers to translate perception model requirements into robust data workflows. You will be responsible for optimizing the flow of data to reduce training iteration time and improve model accuracy. This position places you at the intersection of defense technology and data infrastructure where real-world impact is delivered. You will leverage automation to handle complex data scenarios at scale while maintaining strict operational standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and implement data ingestion pipelines that handle high-volume sensor inputs from edge devices.
• Optimize the labeling infrastructure to improve throughput and reduce manual intervention using intelligent automation.
• Integrate foundation models such as LLMs and VLMs to enhance data classification, quality checks, and metadata extraction.
• Design and maintain scalable data stores and microservices that support the demands of machine learning workflows.
• Conduct rigorous software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate data pipeline reliability in simulated environments.
• Partner directly with Department of Defense stakeholders to refine requirements and ensure solutions meet operational needs.
• Develop monitoring and observability tools to track data health, pipeline performance, and model behavior in production.
• Lead the implementation of automated data curation strategies to accelerate model training cycles and improve label accuracy.
• Create interfaces that enable seamless interaction between cloud-based analytics and edge compute resources.
• Mentor junior engineers on best practices for data engineering, version control, and infrastructure as code.
• Drive the adoption of containerization and orchestration technologies to ensure consistent deployments across environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize features that balance technical debt with delivery speed.
• Evaluate emerging tools in the data and AI space to identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation.
• Contribute to the technical roadmap for the Axion Data platform, ensuring alignment with long-term product vision.

Requirements

• Hold U.S. citizenship and be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.
• Accumulate a minimum of 5 years of professional software engineering experience in production environments.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in modern machine learning infrastructure and data-centric AI methodologies.
• Manage large-scale GPU workloads efficiently to support training and inference operations.
• Build and maintain databases or microservices specifically designed for high-throughput data applications.
• Apply software engineering principles to solve complex problems in distributed systems.
• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with government customers and internal teams.
• Show commitment to learning and adapting in a fast-paced, technology-driven defense environment.

Nice to have

• Demonstrate full-stack development expertise with React, TypeScript, Python, or Golang.
• Operate and administer Kubernetes clusters, Docker containers, and related CI/CD tooling.
• Configure and optimize databases such as Postgres and search platforms like Opensearch.
• Apply foundation models in practical scenarios to automate aspects of data processing and analysis.
• Contribute to robotics perception modules or autonomous vehicle system components.
• Design human-in-the-loop workflows that incorporate auto-labeling and active learning techniques.
• Engage with ambiguous requirements and translate them into technical solutions with minimal supervision.
• Exhibit experience delivering software in regulated environments where compliance and security are critical.

Practical notes

This is an on-site role requiring a 5-day-a-week presence in the Sunnyvale office, although the company allows flexible scheduling for personal obligations. Compensation includes a base salary, equity compensation such as options or RSUs, comprehensive health coverage for medical, dental, and vision, life and disability insurance, contributions to a 401k plan with company match, and stipends for wellness and professional learning. The company is committed to equal opportunity and operates as a federal contractor, ensuring non-discriminatory practices in all employment decisions. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed requirement, as the team values diverse backgrounds and potential.