Senior Software Engineer - Maps Platform

Why this role matters

We’re building the mapping infrastructure that powers every Zipline flight. Maps Platform engineers build the backbone that serves geographic data, features, and map-driven services to Zipline’s products and operators.

You’ll make map data fast, accurate, and reliable for both human workflows (map editors, operator dashboards, regulatory UIs) and autonomous systems (routing, onboard systems). This role mixes backend, data, platform engineering and user interface design with pragmatic production ownership.

Why this role is unique

• Own the foundation of flight intelligence. The systems you build directly power how aircraft understand and navigate the world.
• Massive data challenges. You’ll design pipelines that process and serve large-scale geospatial datasets with strict requirements for accuracy, consistency, and availability.
• End-to-end ownership. From raw data ingestion to production services, you’ll build systems that are critical to real-world operations.
• Cross-functional impact. Your work will be used across autonomy, routing, simulation, and operations.
• AI-accelerated engineering. We leverage modern AI and agentic workflows to increase engineering velocity while maintaining strong system rigor.

What you’ll bring

We care far more about how you approach problems than experience with any specific technology. Strong candidates typically have:

• Experience building and operating large-scale data pipelines
• A track record shipping reliable services and APIs
• Extreme ownership mindset with the ability to drive projects end-to-end
• Experience working with large datasets and designing reliable data processing logic
• Familiarity with data modeling, data quality, and validation in production systems
• Comfort working with cross-functional teams and integrating systems across domains
• Strong backend or distributed systems engineering fundamentals

Experience with geospatial systems, mapping technologies, or GIS tooling is a plus, but not required.

Our current stack includes technologies such as Go, Python, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Kafka, and AWS, but we value engineers who can learn quickly and focus on solving the right problems.

We also lean heavily into AI-assisted engineering workflows and expect engineers to use modern tools to amplify productivity while maintaining high standards for system design and data quality.

What Else You Need To Know

The starting cash ranges for this role is $160,000 - $250,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more. This position may be hired at one of three levels based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated scope:

• Software Engineer II: $160,000 - $190,000
• Senior Software Engineer: $190,000 - $220,000
• Staff Software Engineer: $220,000 - $250,000

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws or our own sensibilities.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!