Application Guide
How to Apply for Software Engineer, New Grad - Defense
at Palantir
🏢 About Palantir
Palantir builds software platforms that help organizations integrate their data, decisions, and operations at scale, with a particular focus on defense and government sectors. The company is known for tackling complex, mission-critical problems with cutting-edge technology, offering engineers the chance to work on products that have real-world impact in national security and defense. Their Gotham platform is specifically designed for defense and intelligence applications, making this role particularly suited for those interested in applying software engineering to sensitive, high-stakes domains.
About This Role
As a New Grad Software Engineer in Defense, you'll contribute directly to Palantir's Gotham platform, building scalable software that transforms how defense organizations leverage data. You'll be involved in the full product lifecycle—from ideation and prototyping to shipping—while collaborating with both technical and non-technical teams to solve customer problems in defense. This role offers the opportunity to work on specific product aspects like geospatial mapping tools or release infrastructure within small, focused teams.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a team stand-up to discuss progress on geospatial mapping tools or release infrastructure components, followed by coding sessions in Java or Go to build scalable features for the Gotham platform. You'll collaborate with technical and non-technical counterparts to refine product designs, participate in prototyping or code reviews, and contribute to shipping solutions that address defense customer problems, all within a small, focused team environment.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Palantir Is Looking For
- A new graduate who can write clean, effective code in languages like Java, Go, or TypeScript, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies as needed.
- Someone familiar with open-source technologies such as Cassandra, Spark, Elasticsearch, React, and Redux, and who understands build tooling like Gradle and GitHub workflows.
- A candidate who thrives in collaborative environments, enjoys working closely with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to understand and solve complex customer problems.
- An engineer interested in defense and government applications, eager to contribute to products that have a direct impact on national security and data-driven decision-making.
📝 Tips for Applying to Palantir
Highlight any experience or projects involving Java, Go, or TypeScript, especially if they demonstrate clean, scalable code—Palantir values technical proficiency in these languages.
Showcase familiarity with open-source technologies like Cassandra, Spark, or React by mentioning specific projects or contributions where you've used them.
Tailor your resume to emphasize collaboration and problem-solving in team settings, as this role involves close work with both technical and non-technical counterparts.
If you have any exposure to defense, government, or high-stakes industries, mention it—this role is specifically for Palantir's defense-focused Gotham platform.
Demonstrate your understanding of the full product lifecycle by describing projects where you were involved from idea generation to shipping, even in academic or internship settings.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain why you're drawn to Palantir's work in defense and how your skills align with building scalable software for the Gotham platform.", 'Highlight specific experiences with required technologies like Java, Go, TypeScript, or open-source tools, linking them to real projects or outcomes.', 'Emphasize your ability to collaborate across teams and understand customer problems, as this role involves close interaction with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.', 'Mention any interest or background in geospatial mapping, release infrastructure, or similar areas, as the role focuses on specific product aspects within small teams.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Palantir's Gotham platform and its applications in defense and government sectors to understand the product you'll be working on.
- → Look into Palantir's recent projects or case studies in national security or defense to grasp the impact of their work.
- → Research the company's culture and values, especially their focus on solving complex, mission-critical problems with technology.
- → Familiarize yourself with the specific open-source technologies mentioned (e.g., Cassandra, Spark, React) and how they might be used in large-scale data platforms.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without tailoring it to Palantir's defense focus or the Gotham platform—this shows lack of interest in the specific role.
- Overlooking the collaboration aspect by only highlighting solo technical projects; this role requires close work with both technical and non-technical teams.
- Failing to demonstrate familiarity with the required languages (Java, Go, TypeScript) or open-source tools, as these are key to the role's responsibilities.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!