Attack and User Emulation - SSE

Senior Software Engineer, Attack and User
Emulation Team @ SimSpace

About the Role
As a Backend Senior Software Engineer on the Attack and User Emulation (AUE) team, you'll
bring expertise in microservices, event-driven messaging, Spring Boot, and containerization.
You'll drive delivery of the containerized microservices that provide the core emulation services of
SimSpace's cyber ranges — the services that let users simulate real-life cyber attacks and user
personas to add high-fidelity realism to the product.
SimSpace is an AI Proving Ground for cybersecurity — a live-fire cyber range and simulation
platform trusted by allied governments, militaries, and Fortune 50 enterprises. Founded in 2015
by experts from U.S. Cyber Command and MIT Lincoln Laboratory, SimSpace lets organizations
train, test, and validate their defenses (and now their AI tools) in a safe, realistic environment,
with a new platform reaching general availability in August 2026.
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, and maintain core services for cyber-range simulation, focusing on
scalability, performance, and fault tolerance.
Lead end-to-end technical projects, from requirements gathering and architecture design
through deployment, setting clear goals and priorities.
Mentor and support engineers, promoting a collaborative culture and guiding coding best
practices, testing, and architectural design.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Managers and UX Designers to translate
requirements into technically sound, user-centered solutions.
Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to ensure code quality,
performance, and standards adherence.
Implement robust monitoring and alerting strategies to maintain high uptime and fast
response to issues.
Ensure services meet security and compliance standards by integrating appropriate controls
into the development lifecycle.
Contribute documentation of technical architecture, system design, and best practices.
Required Qualifications
Strong bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish across written, virtual, and in-person
interactions.

6+ years of hands-on software development with a strong focus on large-scale distributed
systems.
Expertise in an OOP language such as Java or Kotlin, with demonstrable understanding of
API design, integration, and best practices.
Proven experience with unit and integration testing and deploying services in Kubernetes
(or a similar container-orchestration platform).
Demonstrated ability to design, build, and operate fault-tolerant systems, including
requirements gathering and project breakdown.
Knowledgeable in cybersecurity, with a broad understanding of offensive and defensive
security.
Nice to Have
Experience working in or tangential to the cybersecurity field.
Familiarity with event-driven messaging systems and containerization at scale.
Our Tech Stack
Python, Golang, Kotlin, Java, Kubernetes, Docker, Spring Boot, VMware
Location & Work Setup
Remote-first, based in Costa Rica. SimSpace operates remote-first with no designated office;
occasional in-region team gatherings (roughly once every few months) may occur, and any
required travel is reimbursed. You'll collaborate with SimSpace's distributed teams (40+ U.S.
states and Costa Rica), so reliable overlap with U.S. time zones and strong English
communication are expected.
Engagement begins through an Employer of Record (EOR) and is planned to convert to
SimSpace's local Costa Rica entity (anticipated around August–September 2026), at which point
you become a full-time SimSpace employee.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary. Competitive, level-based for a Senior Software Engineer (level 3) [exact USD
range and payment currency to be confirmed with SimSpace], with annual performance
bonuses tied to company and individual performance, plus eligibility for the corporate bonus
plan.
Equity. Stock options at hire, with annual performance-based grants.
Health & insurance. Company-paid private medical and life insurance premiums;
comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Statutory. 13th-month payment (aguinaldo) per Costa Rican law.

Mental health. Company-paid counseling and coaching for you and your family via Spring
Health.
Parental leave. Paid leave plans.
Referral rewards. $1,500–$3,500 for every qualified referral hire.
Continuous learning. LinkedIn Learning membership.
Connection. Monthly SocialSpace community reimbursements for time with teammates.