Software Engineer - Mission Dev

About Nominal

Nominal is building the connected test and operations platform powering the world's most advanced hardware systems, from spacecraft and autonomous vehicles to next-generation defense programs. Our platform gives hardware engineering teams a single place to ingest data, analyze performance, automate test execution, and collaborate across every phase of development, so they can move faster without sacrificing safety or precision. We're a fast-moving team that owns problems end-to-end, works across disciplines, and thrives at the intersection of hardware and software.

We serve top-tier commercial and defense customers, from autonomy leaders like Anduril and Shield AI to next-generation aerospace teams like Hermeus and REGENT, and performance engineering teams like Pratt Miller Motorsports, alongside mission partners within the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force on programs where failure isn’t an option. We’re backed by Sequoia, General Catalyst, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, and Lightspeed. Our team draws from SpaceX, Palantir, Anduril, Applied Intuition, and other leading companies, united by a common mission: giving hardware engineers the tools to build the future with speed, safety, and confidence.

The Mission Dev team operates at the intersection of cutting-edge software engineering and critical customer missions. As a Software Engineer on the Mission Dev team, you're not just supporting customers; you're embedding with them to solve their hardest data challenges head-on. Think like a startup cofounder or an early-stage CTO: you'll dive into ambiguous problem spaces, own solutions end-to-end, and rapidly iterate to deliver impactful results. This role demands grit, strong software engineering foundations, creativity, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments where you'll be responsible for everything from understanding core user needs to writing code for data integrations and custom applications.

You’ll be a pivotal force within Nominal's Mission organization, directly applying your technical expertise to ensure our customers succeed with Nominal's platform and achieve their objectives. If you are a builder who wants to tackle complex problems, see your code directly shape mission success, and aren't afraid to forge paths in new territory, this team is where you'll excel.

About the role

• Build and deploy custom applications, scripts, and extensions to meet specific customer requirements and unlock new capabilities, biasing towards action and rapid prototyping.
• Design and implement resilient data pipelines and integration workflows to connect diverse customer data systems with Nominal’s offerings, often in complex and novel environments.
• Work closely with our Sales and Mission Ops teams to ensure seamless customer handoffs, provide deep technical expertise during pre-sales conversations, and scope customer engagements effectively.
• Gather customer feedback and insights from the frontline to inform product development, influence Nominal's technology roadmap, and improve our offerings.
• Help grow the team by sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding new engineers

What we’re looking for

• Experience designing, building, and shipping software in potentially ambiguous or fast-changing environments.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a proactive, "get things done" attitude.
• A customer-centric mindset and a genuine passion for solving real-world problems with technology.
• Excitement to be a foundational member of the early team building software tools to amplify the capabilities of remarkable hardware engineering teams
• Ability and interest to travel up to 25-50% to spend time with end-users on-site (e.g., rocket test stands, spacecraft clean rooms, automated manufacturing facilities)

Skills that supercharge us

• Solution-oriented: Experience collaborating with customers to solve complex problems in dynamic, evolving environments.
• Adaptability: Previous experience in startup or entrepreneurial environments, where agility, problem-solving, and end-to-end ownership are essential.
• [Bonus] Security clearance: Active Top Secret clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

Why Nominal

• Backed by world-class investors
• Mission-critical impact with high-profile customers
• Work with deeply technical peers from elite engineering backgrounds
• Build real systems that touch rockets, aircraft, and autonomous systems - not just dashboards

Benefits/Perks

• 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited PTO and sick leave
• Free lunch, snacks, and coffee
• Professional Development Stipend
• In-office hardware lab with a $250 project stipend
• Annual company retreat

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Compensation

The base pay range for this role is $130,000 - $230,000 per year.