Senior Software Engineer | Autonomous Systems Platform | Palantir | $145K–$275K + RSUs | Seattle, NYC, DC or Palo Alto

Build the backend of a real-world strategy platform.Imagine the systems complexity of StarCraft: a live operational picture, multiple autonomous assets, constantly changing data and decisions that need to propagate instantly. Now replace the digital units with real autonomous vehicles operating in the field.We’re partnering with Palantir to hire Senior Software Engineers for the core platform behind this technology.You’ll build the service layer connecting autonomous systems at the edge with operator interfaces, real-time sensor data, simulation engines and intelligent decision-making software.This is not primarily a robotics, embedded or ML role. It is a serious backend engineering challenge for people who know how to make distributed systems communicate reliably, securely and at scale.The Engineering ChallengeThe specialist autonomy, science and edge teams need a platform they can build upon. You’ll create it.Your work will include:Designing scalable microservices and distributed backend systemsBuilding real-time messaging and data flows between numerous servicesConnecting cloud software with autonomous platforms operating at the edgeDeveloping middleware and APIs across operator UIs, sensors, simulations and decision systemsManaging live state, concurrency, latency and failure across complex environmentsCreating reliable, observable and secure services for mission-critical useTaking new capabilities from prototype to field deploymentWorking directly with users to understand problems and rapidly improve the productThis is software that cannot simply look good in a demo. It needs to perform when connectivity is imperfect, circumstances change and the physical world refuses to behave predictably.Who We’re Looking ForYou’re a strong backend or platform engineer who remains deeply involved in the code.You’ll likely have:4–10 years of backend, platform or distributed-systems engineering experienceExperience building core middleware, microservices, APIs or service-layer infrastructureStrong knowledge of real-time messaging, streaming or event-driven systemsExperience moving data reliably between numerous services and external systemsSound judgement around scalability, concurrency, fault tolerance, performance and testingA track record of owning important production systemsExperience shipping quickly in a startup, scale-up or similarly high-ownership environmentStrong coding skills in Rust, C++, Java, Go, Python, Scala or another modern systems languageA technical degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related disciplinePalantir’s environment is Rust-primary, but previous Rust experience is not required. The team is interested in outstanding engineers with strong fundamentals, regardless of their current language.Engineers from businesses operating large-scale, real-time platforms will be particularly relevant. Think of the distributed service challenges found at companies such as Uber, adapted to autonomous systems in the physical world.The LevelThis role is aimed at a senior individual contributor, roughly L5 progressing toward L6.You may be capable of leading a small team in time, but you still want to design systems, solve difficult engineering problems and write substantial amounts of production code.This won’t suit someone who has moved predominantly into management, architecture or strategy and away from day-to-day engineering.What Isn’t EssentialYou don’t need prior experience in defense, drones, robotics or embedded hardware.Exposure to autonomous systems, edge computing, LLM integrations or AI-agent toolchains is valuable, but secondary to excellent backend and distributed-systems engineering.Likewise, this isn’t targeted at candidates whose work centres on ML research, simulation, mathematical algorithms or path planning. You’ll build the platform those specialist teams rely on.Why Palantir?Palantir builds software for institutions operating in some of the world’s most complex and consequential environments.This team combines the pace and ownership of a startup with Palantir’s technical resources, customer access and ability to deploy software into the real world.You won’t be working several layers removed from the outcome. You’ll see the systems you build connect software, people and autonomous vehicles in live field environments.Few backend roles offer that level of technical complexity, ownership and tangible impact.Package and LocationBase salary: $145,000–$275,000, based on level and locationEquity: RSUsLocations: Seattle, New York City, Washington DC or Palo AltoWorking model: Hybrid, with travel to customer and deployment sitesEmployment: Full-timeOpenings: TwoEligibilityApplicants must be US citizens and eligible to obtain a US security clearance.This position is not open to visa sponsorship, and Green Card status alone does not meet the clearance requirement.The interview process includes a 45-minute live coding assessment, so applicants should be comfortable demonstrating the hands-on engineering ability they use in their everyday work.If you want to build the core platform behind a real-world version of StarCraft, this is an opportunity to work on backend engineering that extends far beyond the screen.