Software Engineer

Company Overview

Hilt is an early-stage security company focused on protecting sensitive data as it moves across cloud services, SaaS tools, endpoints, and AI agents. Its platform uses kernel-level sensors and lightweight collectors to observe data movement in real time, connect activity to actual human identities, and learn normal behavior patterns so unusual actions can be flagged quickly. The system is designed to detect and contain suspicious behavior in under a second, helping reduce both risk and damage without reading customer data.

The company is building a new approach to data protection for organizations where a single breach can be extremely costly, including hedge funds, trading firms, and regulated financial businesses. It also aims to support other high-sensitivity environments such as AI infrastructure, healthcare, and legal teams. As a venture-backed, small team, early hires have a direct influence on both the product and the company itself.

Role Overview

In this full-time Software Engineer position, you will develop and support backend services and systems that power Hilt’s kernel-level sensor platform. Your work will involve writing maintainable and efficient code, building APIs and data pipelines, and improving the speed, reliability, and scalability of the system. You will work closely with other teams to define technical needs, review code, troubleshoot production issues, and contribute to architecture and design conversations.

You will own features from early planning through release, including documentation and monitoring after deployment. This is an on-site role based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Work Environment and Benefits

The role includes on-site housing located about thirty seconds from the office. The workplace also provides access to a gym, sauna, steam room, and cold plunge. Snacks are available as well.

Hiring Approach

Hilt uses a resume-blind hiring process. There is no degree requirement and no pedigree-based filtering. Candidates are evaluated through a practical work sample taken from the actual product, and every applicant is assessed using the same exercise. Selection is based on what you build, not on your CV.

Required Profile

The team is looking for someone who is strong with AI-assisted coding tools, comfortable working with APIs and event-driven or streaming systems, and familiar with cloud infrastructure and containerized deployment environments. The ideal candidate brings a high standard of ownership and reliability, along with genuine interest in technical depth and Hilt’s mission. Curiosity about kernel-level systems, security, or machine learning is especially valuable.

Preferred Experience

Extra experience that would be helpful, though not mandatory, includes work with eBPF or kernel-level development, security or detection engineering, ClickHouse or Kafka, and helping take an early product from zero to one.

Additional Notes

There is no degree requirement for this role. The company evaluates candidates through a real work sample rather than resume credentials.

Core Work Areas

• Design and maintain backend services for the sensor platform.
• Build and improve APIs and data pipelines.
• Enhance system performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Collaborate with teammates on technical requirements and design decisions.
• Review code and help resolve production issues.
• Own features through development, deployment, documentation, and monitoring.

Technical Expectations

• Comfort working with AI coding tools such as Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, or similar assistants.
• Experience with APIs and streaming or event-driven architectures.
• Exposure to cloud platforms and infrastructure tools such as AWS, GCP, Azure, Terraform, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Strong attention to detail and consistent follow-through.
• Interest in security, kernel-level technology, or machine learning.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• eBPF or kernel development experience.
• Background in security or detection engineering.
• Familiarity with ClickHouse or Kafka.
• Experience helping an early-stage product reach its first version and beyond.