Backend Software Engineer

Job TitleBackend Software EngineerLocationGaithersburg, MD/Alexandria, VA/Chantilly, VA/St. Louis MO, Tucson, AZPosition RequirementsActive Top Secret ClearanceSummaryWe're hiring a Backend Software Engineer to support a high‑visibility, data‑driven application used across the organization for analytics and reporting. You'll help build and maintain core backend services, develop RESTful APIs, support data‑driven functionality, and contribute to ongoing system enhancements within a Linux‑based environment. Your work will directly support system reliability, performance, and data accuracy for mission stakeholders. Our primary development team operates out of Gaithersburg, MD, but we also support onsite engineers in Alexandria, VA; Chantilly, VA; St. Louis, MO; and Tucson, AZ, giving top talent multiple paths to join the mission.Primary Duties And ResponsibilitiesBackend Development: Design, develop, test, and maintain backend application components using Java or PythonREST API Development: Develop and maintain RESTful services to support application functionality and system integrationsObject-Oriented Programming: Apply object-oriented design principles to build scalable and maintainable systemsDatabase Development: Write and modify SQL queries to support application functionality and data retrievalData Source Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external teams to understand data sources, formats, and access methods, and support integration into backend systemsLinux Environments: Develop and troubleshoot applications within Linux-based environmentsData Processing & Business Logic: Implement backend logic for data transformation, processing, and system workflowsBug Fixing & Enhancements: Identify, debug, and resolve application-level defects and performance issuesCode Quality: Follow coding standards, participate in code reviews, and support documentation effortsBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field with 8–12 years of experience; or a Master's degree with 6–10 years of experienceUS CitizenshipActive TS/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a PolygraphProfessional experience developing object‑oriented applications in Java or PythonHands‑on experience building and maintaining RESTful APIsBasic to moderate experience with SQL capability, including writing queries and working with relational databasesWorking knowledge of Linux‑based environmentsAbility to work independently on defined tasks within established technical frameworks and deliver reliable resultsDesired QualificationsExperience with Apache Airflow or similar workflow orchestration technologiesExperience with Spring Boot, Django, or similar backend frameworksExposure to CI/CD pipelines (GitLab, Jenkins, etc.)Familiarity with containerization (Docker, OpenShift)Exposure to cloud environments (AWS or Azure)Experience working in Agile development environments