Senior Backend Developer

Quick Facts

• Role: Senior Backend Developer
• Clearance: TS/SCI with Active CI Polygraph
• Work model: Hybrid (2–3 days onsite)
• Location: Washington, DC; Reston, VA; or Annapolis Junction, MD
• Pay range (guideline): $144,200–$176,900

Description

Design, develop, and maintain backend functionality for mission-driven applications. Build REST APIs and backend services with Python, validate data with Pydantic, and access databases with SQLAlchemy. Deploy and troubleshoot applications using Docker and OpenShift, while also resolving production issues and contributing to technical design, reviews, testing, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop backend services and REST APIs, including request validation, error handling, and authentication/authorization integration
• Maintain PostgreSQL schemas, queries, indexes, and database migrations with performance and data integrity in mind
• Use OpenSearch data structures for indexing and querying
• Build Docker images and deploy/configure/troubleshoot applications in OpenShift
• Investigate and resolve production issues across UI, backend services, database, and deployment
• Collaborate with customers, product owners, and stakeholders to clarify requirements and estimate effort
• Participate in technical design and code reviews; write automated tests and maintain technical documentation
• Mentor developers and collaborate with operations and security teams to support reliable delivery

Requirements

• TS/SCI clearance with Active CI Polygraph
• 9 years of experience in Software or Systems Engineering roles with similar scope (Bachelor’s can substitute 4 years; Master’s can substitute 6 years)
• Strong experience developing backend services and REST APIs
• Python backend development experience
• Proficiency with PostgreSQL (data modeling, SQL, migrations, indexing, query optimization)
• OpenSearch indexing/querying knowledge
• Hands-on Docker experience (Dockerfiles, image builds, container troubleshooting)
• Strong communication skills

Benefits

• Opportunities supported by a large organization while working in a small-company environment
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and a culture of technical excellence
• Participation in prime contract opportunities and project mobility across teams