Network Software Developer

At IST we’re building intelligent networking infrastructure for environments where failure isn’t an option.

We’re small, we move fast, and we care deeply about the technical depth of our work. If you want to own problems end to end and build something that matters, read on.

We’re an early-stage startup building mesh networking infrastructure for contested, dynamic environments - satellites, drones, tactical communications. We don’t build things that have been built before.

This is not a maintenance role. It’s an opportunity for engineers who want to own hard problems end to end and have direct influence on product direction. If you’re adaptable, collaborative, and energized by the challenge of building something from the ground up alongside a small, highly motivated team, we want to hear from you.

About the Role

You’ll be a core contributor to IST’s mesh state synchronization software - a distributed bundle

propagation system designed to operate in dynamic, contested network environments including satellite

constellations, drone swarms, and tactical radio networks. This is systems-level Python work at the

protocol layer, not application development. You’ll be working directly with IST’s founder and a research

Do you have experience in Version control systems?, Required:

• Python (strong, systems-level - not web/scripting)
• Distributed systems design and implementation
• Network socket programming (TCP/UDP, raw sockets)
• Concurrent and async programming (asyncio, threading, multiprocessing)
• Message passing and inter-process communication
• Protocol design and implementation experience
• Data serialization (Protocol Buffers, MessagePack, or similar)
• Version control (Git)
• 10+ years software development experience

Desired:

• Delay-tolerant networking (DTN) - ideally Bundle Protocol (RFC 5050/9171)
• P2P network architecture (BitTorrent, Kademlia, or similar)
• MANET or mesh network protocol experience
• Software-defined networking concepts
• Link-state or distance-vector routing protocol internals
• Experience with challenged/contested network environments
• Rust or C++ (relevant for Phase II production implementation)
• Linux systems programming
• Prior DoD, aerospace, or defense software experience
• Familiarity with government software development practices

$2,000 - $3,500 a week - Temporary, Part-time, This is a temporary, part-time exempt position at $3,500 per week, based on approximately 25 hours per week, paid on a regular payroll cycle. Workload will naturally ebb and flow with sprint cycles.

This is a temporary, part-time exempt position based on approximately 25 hours per week. Starting salary

range is $2000-$3500 per week dependent upon qualifications and experience, paid on a regular payroll cycle. Workload will naturally ebb and flow with sprint cycles.

IST anticipates hiring for this position upon contract award, expected September 2026. Offers are contingent upon funding authorization.

This position requires U.S. citizenship. Candidates must be currently residing in the United States.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Pay: $2,000.00 - $3,500.00 per week