Estes Energetics, along with its subsidiary Goex Industries, is an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors. Our agile and experienced team is proud to make products that support the Department of Defense, strengthen domestic production, preserve history, serve hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts, and ignite a passion for rocketry in our youth. Whether we’re performing research into energetic materials and products, or standing up American-made production, count on us to find a solution. 

Summary 

Estes Energetics is seeking a Backend Systems Engineer to develop and maintain the backend services, databases, and integrations that unify our manufacturing, engineering, and administrative systems. This role builds the technical backbone that enables automation, traceability, and real-time data exchange across our facilities. Ideal candidates have strong backend development experience, a deep understanding of SQL and server-side scripting, and a passion for solving complex data flow challenges in a hands-on production environment. 

You will help modernize and streamline operations across rocket motor R&D, energetics manufacturing, safety systems, quality programs, and administrative platforms. This is a highly cross-functional and impactful role supporting our mission to strengthen domestic energetics production. Senior-level candidates will guide long-term platform architecture; strong mid-level candidates with backend and SQL experience are encouraged to apply. 

Essential Functions 

• Architect and implement a scalable on-premise database environment, including schema design, indexing strategy, storage planning, replication, and long-term data lifecycle management.  
• Develop backend services and APIs that unify data across manufacturing, engineering, safety, quality, and administrative platforms.  
• Establish standards for database access, versioning, migrations, and documentation to ensure reliability and auditability.  
• Build secure, well-structured middleware for integrating ERP/MRP systems, SharePoint, Ignition SCADA data, engineering tools, and custom internal applications.  
• Design and maintain ETL/ELT workflows to support consistent, validated data flow into unified backend systems and reporting platforms.  
• Implement CI/CD automation, automated testing, and reliable deployment practices for backend code and database changes.  
• Provide technical leadership on backend scalability, data modeling, normalization, and performance optimization.  
• Implement role-based access controls, data governance policies, and secure data handling aligned with ITAR, DFARS, and NIST 800-171 requirements.  
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and administrative teams to translate process needs into scalable backend and database solutions.  
• Act as a key technical contributor for decisions related to backend architecture, database integrity, and long-term data infrastructure.   

Competencies, Experience, and Education 

Technical Competencies 

• Backend programming proficiency in Python, C#/.NET, or Java, including API development and server-side application design. 
• Strong experience with SQL database design, normalization, indexing, stored procedures, and performance tuning. 
• Experience architecting or maintaining relational databases such as PostgreSQL or SQL Server. 
• Ability to build ETL/ELT pipelines and data ingestion workflows connecting multiple data sources. 
• Experience developing and consuming RESTful APIs and building middleware to integrate enterprise systems. 
• Proficiency with Linux or Windows Server environments, including scripting, automation, and application deployment. 
• Ability to implement secure backend systems, access controls, and logging aligned with defense-related data requirements. 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, or a related technical field.  
• Minimum of 3 years of backend software development experience using Python, C#, Java, or similar server-side languages.  
• Strong SQL experience, including schema design, query optimization, indexing, and relational data modeling.  
• Experience designing or maintaining production databases such as PostgreSQL or SQL Server.  
• Demonstrated ability to build and consume RESTful APIs and develop middleware for enterprise system integration.  
• Experience with Git-based version control and modern CI/CD workflows.  
• Experience working in Linux or Windows Server environments to deploy and maintain backend applications.  
• Experience with scripting and automation using Bash, PowerShell, Python, or similar tools.  
• Familiarity with data ingestion, data validation, and workflows for unifying siloed data sources.  
• Ability to work on site in a collaborative engineering and manufacturing environment.  
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to comply with ITAR requirements.   

Desired 

• 5 or more years of backend development experience with increasing responsibility in architecture, integration, or data engineering. 
• Experience designing ETL/ELT pipelines and automated data ingestion workflows. 
• Experience working in manufacturing, industrial, or production environments with exposure to ERP or MRP systems. 
• Experience supporting engineering or R&D teams with custom internal tools or automation. 
• Experience deploying backend services to on-premise or hybrid on-prem/cloud environments. 
• Prior experience in aerospace, defense, energetics manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries. 

Work Environment 

The work will primarily be in an office and manufacturing environment, including outdoors. 

Physical Demands 

• Sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer 
• Use of mouse/computer keyboard 
• May have to lift up to 30 pounds 
• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment 
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location 

Travel 

Up to 10%.  

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position working a 9/80 schedule. Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods. 

Benefits 

Estes Energetics maintains a comprehensive benefits package including: 

• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance  
• Life and disability insurance – 100% paid by company.  
• 401(k) retirement plan with 7% company match with vesting at 30 days  
• Single, comprehensive paid time off (PTO) policy  
• 9 Paid Holidays 

Work Authorization 

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b. 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program 

Estes Energetics provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Additional information is available at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.