Software Engineer - Generalist

As a Software Engineer - Generalist, you’ll have the chance to build great technology, great products, and grow as a technology leader. Your efforts will impact the defense sector in strengthening the U.S. defense capabilities by changing how software reaches our mission owners., We’re looking for a true generalist: you’re an engineer who thrives on variety - whether it’s debugged distributed systems, designing pixel-perfect UI, optimizing databases, or architecting cloud-native architecture. You can jump between domains and can go deep anywhere - frontend, backend, DevOps - it doesn’t matter to you. You appreciate the craft of software engineering across every layer of the stack:

• Generalist DNA. You are energized by technical ambiguity. You own whatever needs building, from auth systems to secure deployment automation, without hesitation.
• 0 to 1 Execution. You have built and shipped real systems from scratch. You prefer the early stage where you have foundational influence on the architecture and engineering culture.
• AI Native Workflow. You are a power user of agentic tools like Cursor, Codex or Claude Code. You use AI to automate the mundane so you can focus on high level architecture and mission logic.
• Compliance as Code. You do not see DoD security as a hurdle. You see NIST 800-53 and RMF as technical constraints to be automated and solved through software.
• Intent over Specs. You translate broad mission needs into technical direction. You make smart build vs buy decisions and ship quality code without needing a 50 page requirements document.
• End to End Ownership. You value the best idea over your own code. You are happy to jump into any part of the stack, from the UI to the infrastructure, to unblock the mission.

Do you have experience in UI?, * 6+ Years solving problems across multiple domains (frontend, backend, systems, databases)

• Production Track Record. A history of leading 0 to 1 launches, specifically in defense, security, or highly regulated sectors.
• Technical Mastery. Expert fluency in modern languages like Go, Rust, or Python. This is paired with deep knowledge of React and Kubernetes (RKE2 or K3s).
• Defense Tech Ecosystem Literacy. A working knowledge of the ATO process, STIGs, and the nuances of deploying in restricted cloud environments like IL5/6.
• AI Agent Proficiency. Demonstrated ability to orchestrate AI coding agents to move 10x faster than traditional development cycles.
• Modern DevSecOps. Skilled in secure CI/CD workflows, including SAST, SCA, and DAST integration for hardened, air-gapped deployments.

Other Requirements

• Must be a US person based in the US
• Bonus: Clearance or eligible for TS / SCI clearance
• Bonus: Certifications, such as CISSP and IAT-level-2, * Have you worked in cybersecurity?
• Have you built software from 0 to 1?
• Do you have solid understanding and experience with ATO process, STIGs, and the nuances of deploying in restricted cloud environments like IL5/6?
• Have you worked for Department of Defense (War) (via defense contractor, within DoD agency)?

Ironmist (https://www.ironmist.co/) is building the compliance infrastructure for DoD software. Our mission: replace broken, manual authorization processes with a platform that embeds security and compliance directly into how software is built - so defense companies and government teams can ship secure-by-design software to the warfighter faster, at the speed of relevance.

We are a lean, venture-backed team of builders on a mission. We move fast, we care deeply about the problem, and we’re just getting started. We are headquartered in San Francisco and distributed across the country - bringing together talent from the tech and defense communities to solve one of the most important infrastructure challenges in national security software.