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Palo Alto, CA, USA
2026-05-27
Athena
North America
Junior Software Engineer / Software Engineering
Role Description
We are a fast-paced software development startup looking for a hungry, versatile, and tech-savvy
**Junior Software Engineer**
to join our team. This isn't a role where you’ll be stuck in one corner of a codebase; you will be the "Swiss Army Knife" of our engineering department.
You’ll start by tackling a variety of essential tasks that keep our engine running—from automating workflows to managing infrastructure—with the clear path to transition into a core development or DevOps role as you grow with us.
**What You’ll Do**
* **Automation \& Scripting:**
Write and maintain Bash and Python scripts to automate repetitive tasks and internal workflows.
* **Infrastructure Support:**
Manage and monitor Virtual Machines (VMs) and assist with basic Linux administration.
* **Software Lifecycle:**
Help with packaging software and ensuring our deployment pipelines are smooth.
* **Technical Documentation:**
Keep our internal and external docs sharp, clear, and up-to-date.
* **Operational Excellence:**
Stay on top of Jira tickets and actively participate in Slack discussions to ensure no balls are dropped.
* **AI Integration:**
Leverage AI productivity tools (LLMs, Copilots, etc.) to accelerate your output and solve problems more efficiently.
**What You Bring to the Table**
* **Foundational Knowledge:**
A solid grasp of Networking fundamentals, Linux utilities, and Cybersecurity best practices.
* **The Toolbox:**
Familiarity with Python, Bash, and the command line. Exposure to Kubernetes (K8s) is a major plus.
* **AI-First Mentality:**
You don't just know AI exists; you know how to use it to write better code, debug faster, and automate your day.
* **Adaptability:**
You’re comfortable jumping between a technical bug fix and a documentation update without losing momentum.
* **Communication:**
Strong written skills for Slack, Jira, and documentation.
**Bonus Points For:**
* Previous experience with Docker or container orchestration.
* A "no task too small" attitude and a desire to learn how a startup scales.
* Contributions to open-source projects or a portfolio of personal scripts/tools.
**Standard Startup Perks**
* **Growth Path:**
Direct mentorship from senior engineers and a clear trajectory for career advancement.
* **Flexible Environment:**
We value results over "butt-in-seat" time.
* **Modern Tech Stack:**
Work with the latest tools in cloud computing and AI.
* **Impact:**
Your work will be visible and impactful from Day 1\.