Software engineer, backend (platform)

Valinor is a new type of defense and government tech company focused on solving the problems others don't. Our unique model of centralized go-to-market and decentralized engineering allows us to move with unparalleled efficiency to identify unmet needs, build right-sized solutions, and get products where they matter most - in the hands of users. Unlike others in the space, who focus on the flashy problems, Valinor exists to solve the quiet, unaddressed problems-the small but significant ones that lead to cracks in the country's strength, stability, and security.

Backed by General Catalyst, Founders Fund, and Friends & Family Capital, Valinor was founded in 2024 and has established strategic partnerships with Palantir, Anduril, and Helsing. We are building the dream team, and we want you on it.

About The Role

Valinor Streamline is looking for an experienced Software Engineer to help build and evolve the backend systems and foundational infrastructure behind our growing platform. You'll join a small, highly collaborative team with significant ownership over the technical foundation of the product and the decisions that shape it as we grow.

We're looking for someone who has built software that real customers depend on and understands what it takes to improve and scale those systems while keeping them running. This role is ideal for a strong backend engineer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, isn't afraid to get into the weeds with infrastructure, and is excited to help shape a product at an early stage.

What You'll Do

• Design, build, and maintain the backend services and foundational platform components that power Streamline's products and enable other engineers to ship high quality software.
• Own and execute complex migrations and architectural improvements to production systems while maintaining reliability and minimizing disruption to customers.
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks across backend systems, improving how data is accessed, processed, and delivered as the platform scales.
• Own technical problems end-to-end, from architectural design and implementation through deployment, monitoring, and ongoing optimization.
• Work closely with a small engineering team to make pragmatic technical decisions, balance immediate product needs with long-term scalability, and help shape the technical direction of the platform.

What We're Looking For

• 6+ years of software engineering experience, with a strong foundation in backend development and a track record of building and operating production systems.
• Deep understanding of backend architecture, distributed systems, databases, caching, and performance optimization.
• Experience evolving complex production systems, including executing migrations and making architectural changes without compromising reliability or availability.
• Experience working in engineering environments where scalability, performance, and reliability are critical, ideally at a growing startup or established technology company.
• Strong programming skills and comfort working across backend services and infrastructure.
• Strong technical judgment and the ability to navigate complex codebases, design thoughtful abstractions, and evaluate tradeoffs between simplicity, performance, and maintainability.
• A builder's mentality, intellectual curiosity, and comfort taking ownership in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment. Experience founding a company, building independent projects, or working at an early-stage startup is a plus.

What Valinor Offers

• Competitive salary, equity packages, and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance - fully covered for employees, 401(k), development stipends, among others.
• Unlimited PTO and two-week company holiday at the end of every calendar year.
• We are a pro-mental health and pro-family company - we actually encourage employees to spend time with themselves and their families. Valinor also provides fertility benefits to those just beginning that journey.
• Fun work environment - we like to laugh and take care of each other, but we also deeply respect the mission in front of us.

This role requires the candidate be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Active clearance preferred, but not required.

Valinor is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The Valinor team is made up of incredibly talented and unique individuals, who together are disrupting industry norms by creating new paths towards the future of defense and government technology. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you are someone passionate about working on problems that have a real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you!