API Developer Jr.

API Developer – Fully Remote (Temp‑to‑Hire)Salary: $105,000–$125,000The VA Lighthouse Program is a major U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs initiative focused on modernizing access to VA data through secure, scalable APIs. The program AI & Engineering team supports this mission by delivering modern engineering practices, accelerating digital transformation, and improving how Veterans, partners, and internal teams access critical information. This fully remote API Developer role is temp‑to‑hire, with conversion eligibility based on client requirements. Role OverviewThis position is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining APIs that power communication across systems within the VA Lighthouse ecosystem. The role combines hands‑on API development, integration engineering, testing, documentation, and collaboration across cross‑functional teams. Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and document API specifications, endpoints, data models, and protocols (REST, GraphQL).Build and implement APIs using languages and frameworks such as Java, Python, Ruby, and .NET.Integrate APIs with internal systems, external applications, and third‑party services.Write unit, integration, and end‑to‑end tests; debug and resolve issues to ensure reliability and performance.Maintain clear, comprehensive API documentation, including usage examples and best practices.Implement authentication, authorization, encryption, and other security best practices.Monitor and optimize API performance, scalability, and reliability.Manage API versioning and ensure backward compatibility.Collaborate with front‑end and back‑end developers, architects, QA engineers, and other stakeholders.Provide ongoing support, troubleshoot issues, and implement enhancements based on user feedback. Required Technical SkillsJava, Spring Boot, Spring BatchGitHub, GitHub Actions, Git ReleasesJaeger and OpenTracingMySQL, Oracle, AWS RDS, Document DBs (DynamoDB, MongoDB)Ruby, PythonAWS Cloud servicesBackstage.ioOpenAPI specificationDocker, Kubernetes, HelmFamiliarity with VA Lighthouse APIs