Staff Software Engineer

Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China—from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.

Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We’re building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status—proving that disruption doesn’t require an ego, and staying power doesn’t mean standing still.

About the role:

Vannevar is looking for a staff full stack engineer to lead the growth of our Perception Management platform—a mission-critical system supporting national security. In this role, you’ll set the technical direction, shape architecture and design, and integrate a suite of 10+ applications into one cohesive platform. You’ll work alongside product managers, designers, engineers, and users to solve complex high-side challenges, while partnering with the Mission team to build powerful data discovery and management workflows. You’ll also define the strategy for continuous deployment of platform applications, giving you the opportunity to drive both the vision and the impact of a platform at the core of our work.   

What you’ll do  

• Design, build, and ship cutting edge defense tech applications and features using TypeScript, React, Tailwind, and Node.js
• Partner with customers, mission owners, designers, and other engineers to understand user workflows and create the best possible solutions for their problems
• Mentor and guide other engineers in high quality software development while redefining the standard for enterprise-grade applications
• Help define and shape the future of the platform strategy 

What we look for 

• 7+ years of professional experience in full stack software development with prior experience as a staff engineer or tech lead. You have a demonstrated ability to mentor and guide more junior engineers
• Expertise in React, TypeScript, and Node.js. You have built stable, scalable, and performant applications in a continuous deployment environment
• Familiarity with relational databases (like Postgres), caching technologies (like Redis), object stores (like S3), and distributed search systems (like ElasticSearch).
• Bias towards achieving outcomes, including willingness to step outside your immediate role to ensure mission success.
• Active or previous TS / SCI Clearance is a plus but not needed 

Nice to have 

• Active Security clearance (or ability to obtain one) and willingness to travel onsite at least quarterly to perform user research and help debug issues. 

What we offer

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 100% remote first culture. You can work from anywhere in the US and all full time employees have WeWork access
• Unlimited PTO including competitive vacation and holiday schedules
• Lifestyle stipends - Monthly mental health, wellness & fitness stipend, in-home office setup stipend and family planning assistance
• Salary top-up during military reserve duty
• Fully paid parental leave
• Child and pet care reimbursement during travel