Backend Software Engineer

About Us:

We build decentralized swarm intelligence for autonomous systems. Each unit runs perception + planning on the edge, shares relevant intel over mesh, and acts independently: no central brain, no fragile comms. First deployments are with U.S. Border Patrol. Same core engine works across drones, ground robots, and maritime.

Backed by Afore Capital, 1517 Fund, angels, and senior defense officials.

--

We’re looking for a software engineer who can move fast, own problems end-to-end, and help us build the core systems that power Pheratech. This is an early role — you’ll work directly with the founding team on everything from backend architecture to devops, scripting, and systems glue that keeps autonomy running.

You’ll touch a lot of the stack: backend services, companion computers on drones, Linux environments, and even occasional frontend or embedded work. The emphasis is backend, but we need someone versatile who’s comfortable picking up new layers when the mission calls for it.

If you’re sharp, scrappy, and can hold your own in a room full of engineers, operators, or generals — we want you.

What You'll Do:

• Build and scale backend systems that support autonomy and swarm communication
• Write C++, Python, and Bash to glue components together and keep systems reliable
• Own Linux dev environments and companion computer setups (arm64 architectures, service management, etc.)
• Help design and stabilize software architecture as we grow beyond prototypes
• Jump into product-critical work across the stack when needed — backend, scripts, devops, or light frontend
• Write clean, well-documented code and communicate decisions clearly
• Work with the team to test, critique, and iterate on solutions quickly

Qualifications (All Preferred):

• 0–3 years experience in software engineering (internships count)
• Strong in C++ , with additional proficiency in Python and Bash/Linux
• Experience working with backend systems and services
• Bonus: robotics, drones, or firmware experience (ArduPilot, PX4, companion computers)
• Comfortable in Linux environments, scripting, and debugging distributed systems
• You don’t wait for instructions — you figure things out, research what you don’t know, and deliver
• Mission-driven mindset. You want to build something that actually matters

Why Pheratech

We’re building distributed intelligence for autonomous systems. No central brain. No fragile comms. Just real-time, edge-based decisions that make robots move like humans. It’s swarm autonomy that actually works — and it’s being deployed in the field.

You’ll also early. You’ll have real ownership. And if you crush it, you'll see it.