Role Overview
Smack Technologies is building mission-critical AI systems that require strong core software foundations. As a Software Engineer on Applied Engineering, you will contribute to the development of core product and platform capabilities with an emphasis on backend systems, while supporting full-stack product needs as required.
This role is suited for engineers who are backend-leaning but comfortable operating across the stack. The work focuses on building reliable internal systems, APIs, and services that support user-facing products, model integration, and operational deployment in TS/SCI and on-prem environments.
You will work closely with other engineers to clarify requirements, implement durable solutions, and support systems as they move into real operational use.
What You’ll Do
Design, implement, and maintain backend services that support core product and platform functionality.
Contribute to full-stack product development as needed, including integration with frontend applications.
Work with APIs and service interfaces that support internal and external product capabilities.
Support deployment, configuration, and operation of services in TS/SCI and on-prem environments.
Collaborate with teammates to clarify ambiguous requirements and translate them into working systems.
Debug and resolve issues across services, deployments, and integrations.
Support customer integrations and on-site deployments as part of Applied Engineering responsibilities.
Contribute to improving system reliability, performance, and maintainability over time.
Must-Have Qualifications
Active TS/SCI clearance
Professional experience building and operating production software systems
Backend-leaning engineering experience with some exposure to full-stack product development
Experience developing and maintaining APIs
Proficiency in Python or Go in professional environments
Experience working with at least one strongly typed programming language such as Go, Java, C#, or C++
Experience supporting deployed services, including basic deployment, scripting, or operational tasks
Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous problem spaces and help clarify requirements
Experience working in collaborative, fast-moving engineering teams
Core Technologies & Concepts
Backend Languages: Python, Go
Additional Languages: TypeScript a plus
Strongly Typed Languages: Go, Java, C#, C++
APIs: REST, gRPC, GraphQL, protobuf
Deployment and Operations: Kubernetes or similar orchestration tools
Infrastructure Concepts: Terraform, Pulumi, or similar tools
Systems Thinking: service reliability, maintainability, and integration
Nice-to-Have Qualifications
Experience developing in-house product software rather than consulting-only roles
Experience working at high-performing engineering organizations or on complex internal platforms
Exposure to less common programming languages such as OCaml, Lisp, Elixir, Erlang, Haskell, Scala, or Prolog
Experience supporting customer-facing integrations or deployments
Background working in defense, government, or other regulated environments
