Senior Python Engineer

Role Overview

Slingshot Aerospace is hiring a Senior Python Engineer. This full‑time position is based in Washington, D.C., with most work remote but regular site visits required. The posted salary range is $150,000–$220,000.

Senior Python Engineer will architecture and build a secure, scalable data processing and application platform.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop Python-based ETL frameworks, orchestration layers, and high‑throughput data pipelines.
• Implement real‑time, event‑driven streaming architectures using Kafka and/or RabbitMQ.
• Build and scale FastAPI microservices focused on performance, resilience, security, and observability.
• Design MongoDB schemas, indexing strategies, and aggregation pipelines.
• Implement caching layers and high‑speed data access using Redis or similar in‑memory stores.
• Contribute to design and implementation of RAG pipelines, vector search integrations, and retrieval optimization.
• Implement Agentic AI workflows using Lang Chain and Crew AI.
• Apply Secure SDLC practices across coding, code review, CI/CD, and deployment.
• Participate in architecture reviews and contribute to engineering standards for distributed systems.
• Troubleshoot complex data, system, and performance issues in production environments.
• Support containerization, Kubernetes‑native deployment patterns, and AWS cloud integrations.

• Expert‑level Python experience across ETL, microservices, and distributed data processing.
• Strong FastAPI development and optimization experience.
• Production experience with Kafka and/or RabbitMQ.
• Experience with in‑memory databases such as Redis.
• Hands‑on experience implementing vector search or RAG‑based retrieval pipelines.
• Experience with agent‑driven AI architectures and LLM‑powered automation workflows.
• Strong Linux proficiency and experience with Docker/Kubernetes.
• Demonstrated ability to debug complex distributed or high‑scale systems.
• Hands‑on AWS experience across compute, networking, and data services.
• Proven application of Secure SDLC and secure engineering patterns.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in CS, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong preference for candidates with Active Top Security Clearance with SCI Eligibility.

US‑based Candidates: eligible only in the states listed: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV.

Internationally based Candidates: eligible only in United Kingdom.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion are key to our success. Diversity includes race, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, sex, color, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.