Senior Software engineer (CUAS)

Kela is a defense technology startup pioneering next-generation command & control and data infrastructure systems. We empower defense organizations with robust, scalable, and secure platforms that integrate diverse sensors and AI to deliver real-time battlefield intelligence. Backed by leading investors, Kela combines Israeli innovation with global mission impact.

We are seeking a versatile Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and optimize our real-time C-UAS and sensor-fusion edge platform. In this role, you will bridge the gap between complex algorithmic research and rugged, production-ready software. You will be responsible for everything from low-level sensor integration and high-throughput data pipelines to system-level profiling and robust validation, playback and analysis infrastructure.

We move faster than any defense startup you've worked at, and faster than most commercial ones. Prototypes go from sketch to metal in weeks, not quarters. If that pace sounds energizing rather than exhausting, keep reading.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain high-performance backend systems, data schemas, and deterministic playback/analysis infrastructure.
• Profile and eliminate bottlenecks across CPU/GPU, memory, disk I/O, and networking to ensure low-latency, real-time data processing.
• Integrate and synchronize diverse hardware (LiDARs, cameras, and control peripherals), managing communication with external vendors and operations.
• Collaborate closely with Algorithm teams to define clean, modular APIs and productize algorithmic components.
• Own the deployment process, version control, and CI workflows, while maintaining high code quality through cross-team code reviews.

• Strong professional experience in Python and Rust/ C++.
• Proven experience with low-level debugging and profiling tools (CPU/GPU profiling, network and I/O tracking).
• Familiarity with multimedia and AI inference frameworks (e.g., GStreamer, Triton Inference Server).
• Strong background in defining modular software architecture, designing unified protocols, and seamlessly integrating shared software components while collaborating across diverse teams to ensure clean, reliable interfaces
• Familiarity with modern CI/CD workflows, deployment processes, and robust version control.
• Proactive Collaborator: Acts as a strong communicator who bridges the gap between hardware vendors, operations teams, and internal algorithm developers to solve cross-functional challenges.
• Problem-Solver with a Low-Level Mindset: Possesses a curious, "under-the-hood" troubleshooting attitude, comfortable diving into hardware quirks, profiling data, and complex debugging scenarios.
• Adaptive & Delivery-Focused: Thrives in highly dynamic environments with shifting requirements, demonstrating the resilience and focus needed to deliver under tight deadlines.

Nice to have:

• Experience with Neural Network runtime concepts and hardware acceleration.
• Prior experience working with physical devices as LiDARs and cameras.
• Familiarity with gRPC, protobuf