Software Engineer - Platform Systems

Location: San Diego, CA (On-Site, Full-Time Employee)

Travel: Minimum (less than 2 weeks a year)

Salary Range: $120,000-$250,000

Who We Are:

Digital Force Technologies (DFT) is a San Diego-based defense technology company focused on solving complex national security challenges through advanced engineering and rapid innovation. We bring together talented engineers, scientists, and operators to develop practical solutions that bridge the gap between emerging technology and real-world operational needs.

What We Build:

DFT develops, manufactures, and fields Full-Stack Mission Systems powered by SeraphimOS for applications ranging from Counter-UAS to Critical Infrastructure protection. Our software brings sensing, fusion, decision support, and mission execution together at the tactical edge, where communications can be constrained and reliability matters. We build interoperable systems that help operators understand complex environments and act with speed and confidence. Engineers at DFT work across software, hardware, and operational teams, with opportunities to see their work tested and deployed.

The Opportunity:

At DFT, software engineers don't just build applications, they build the intelligence and connective tissue behind autonomous mission systems. You'll work on challenging problems spanning real-time sensing, distributed computing, AI, robotics, and human-machine teaming, with the opportunity to take software from initial concept through field deployment.

We hire engineers based on capability, not years of experience. Whether you're an emerging developer or an established technical leader, you'll have opportunities to take meaningful ownership, solve difficult engineering problems, and see your work operate in the real world. Your level and responsibilities will reflect what you can demonstrate and the impact you're ready to make.

As a SeraphimOS Platform engineer at DFT, you will build the resilient software foundation that allows distributed mission systems to operate reliably at the tactical edge, even when communications fail.

What You Will Do:

• Design and maintain SeraphimOS services, common libraries, APIs, and distributed runtime components.
• Engineer fault-tolerant data flows and graceful degradation under intermittent or low-bandwidth communications.
• Improve observability, deployment, configuration, security, and performance across Linux edge devices.
• Establish maintainable interfaces and engineering patterns shared by multiple mission applications.

Core Capabilities:

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Rust, Python or C++, with the ability and willingness to learn additional languages as needed. Experience developing and debugging software in Linux environments. Depth of expertise evaluated relative to role level.
• Experience building production services, concurrent systems, networked applications, or distributed platforms.
• Solid software architecture, testing, debugging, and performance profiling skills.
• A relevant technical degree or equivalent demonstrated ability through work, research, internships, open-source contributions, or independent projects.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Experience & Leveling:

We consider candidates at multiple engineering levels; there is no fixed minimum number of professional years. Relevant evidence may come from industry work, research, internships, open-source contributions, personal projects, or military technical experience. Candidates are assessed on fundamentals, problem solving, collaboration, technical judgment, and demonstrated ownership. Hiring level is determined through a consistent skills-based evaluation.

Especially Valuable:

• Containers, embedded Linux, message buses, protobuf/gRPC, or service orchestration.
• Experience with offline-first systems, edge devices, or safety-conscious software.
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools and agentic workflows to improve engineering productivity, while maintaining strong technical judgment, code quality, and ownership.

How We Work:

We value practical problem solving, engineering rigor, thoughtful design reviews, automated testing, clear documentation, and ownership from prototype through deployment. Occasional travel to integration events, demonstrations, or field tests may be required.

Benefits and Compensation:

DFT offers medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) with company match; life and short-term disability insurance; three weeks of PTO; and 13 company holidays. This is a multi-level recruiting opportunity. Final title and compensation will be aligned with demonstrated skills, relevant experience, and role scope.

Equal Opportunity:

DFT is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.