Senior Backend Software Engineer (Python / FastAPI)
Chaos Industries
San Francisco, CA · Posted November 3, 2026
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November 2026
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About the job
Senior Backend Software Engineer (Python / FastAPI)
San Francisco, CA (On-site) | $140k–$240k base + pre-IPO stock options
Build the real-time backend that turns radar sensor data into decisions people can act on.
CHAOS Industries is a defense tech company founded in 2022 that has raised $1B from investors including 8VC, Accel and Valor Equity Partners. You’ll own the backend services and data pipelines that move sensor data from radars in the field to the operators who depend on it.
What you’ll do
Build high-performance Python services that ingest, process and distribute real-time sensor data with low latency, high reliability and security at scale
Build high-performance Python (FastAPI) services that ingest, process and distribute real-time data securely at scale
Own streaming, storage and replay of detections, tracks and telemetry for live and playback 3D geospatial views
Build the decision layer that coordinates a growing fleet of sensors as field conditions change
Shape platform architecture for new capabilities, scale and long-term maintainability
You’re a fit if you have
Strong production experience building backend services in Python (FastAPI or similar)
Built real-time or streaming data systems: message queues, WebSockets, time-series data
Owned a production system end to end: designed it, shipped it, fixed it when it broke
Real leverage from AI coding tools, with a considered view on what to delegate and what not to
Based in, or willing to relocate to, the San Francisco Bay Area (this role is on-site)
Nice to have
Geospatial or 3D data visualization in TypeScript and React
Edge computing, or moving data reliably over constrained or unreliable networks
Azure or another major cloud platform
Hardware, sensors, robotics, telemetry or defense systems
What you get
Medical, dental and vision, 100% paid by the company
401k with 50% company match up to 6% of pay, plus FSA, HSA and life insurance
Pre-IPO stock options, relocation assistance, and annual bonuses (coming soon)
Unlimited PTO and a casual dress code
Free daily lunch while you’re working on-site, plus a fully stocked kitchen
Pay range shown is base salary only and excludes equity, bonuses and benefits. Actual offers vary based on experience, skills and business needs.
Please note: Must be a U.S. Person as defined under U.S. export control regulations, as required for access to controlled technology, and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
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