Python Software Engineer - Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance

About this job

We are currently looking for a Python Software Engineer to join the team in Delft.

We are seeking a seasoned Python Backend Developer to contribute to the design, implementation, and deployment of scalable REST services and modular backend systems in cloud environments. As a Python Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our technical output and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, maintainable code and components. The position requires independence and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You will work closely with our Software Architects and cross-functional teams to plan sprints, review code, and deliver on critical milestones.

You will be working within the Defence & Security business unit, where we are working on innovative solutions that leverage space technologies. You will focus on the domain of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). In this domain we are developing software and hardware solutions for various applications, for example for marine surveillance by detecting dark vessels or for military mission planning by providing input concerning trafficability of certain areas of interest. Common application areas include Defence, Space and Critical Infrastructure.

Main responsibilities

• Technical Output: Design, develop, and deploy scalable backend services using modern Python frameworks.
• Code Quality: Champion best practices in code quality, testing, and documentation, ensuring maintainability and performance.
• Collaboration: Work with architects, developers, and stakeholders to define technical requirements, plan sprints, and deliver solutions.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and feedback to team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Security & Discretion: Handle sensitive projects with the highest standards of confidentiality and security.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional Python development experience, with a deep understanding of Python internals and modern frameworks (uv, FastAPI, Flask, SQLAlchemy, Pydantic).
• Expertise in REST API design, cloud deployment, and modular system architecture.
• Strong knowledge of code quality tools (ruff, mypy, coverage) and testing frameworks (pytest, mocks).
• Proficiency with Git, GitLab, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with JIRA for project management and agile workflows.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, independent, and proactive, with a track record of researching solutions, suggesting improvements, and delivering high-quality work.
• Discretion and professionalism, especially in handling sensitive projects with restricted access.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbally and in writing. Speaking Dutch is preferred.
• Affinity with working for Defence.

  Possibility to obtain security clearances on SECRET level (Dutch, NATO, EU) is a must.

Our story

At S[&]T we contribute to a safer life on earth by translating space data into valuable and actionable insights. We oversee data from instruments to application, and apply our expertise within our software frameworks, information products and consultancy.

Our society relies on space and scientific instruments for climate change monitoring, navigation, defence and national security, and other crucial services we all use in our daily lives. These instruments produce an enormous quantity of complex data, and our goal is to unlock its value.

We have more than 20 years of experience working on instrument calibration, the creation of data quality monitoring tools, the development of real-time data processing frameworks, and the development of application-specific algorithms. With this, we help organisations, governments and industries to strengthen their information position and thereby improve their decision making. We focus on the following domains: Space & Science, Defence & Security, Environment & Sustainability, and High-Tech Consulting.