Sr. Backend Developer

Overview

The Senior Backend Developer will contribute to the modernization and scaling of backend services for a purpose-built VA software platform, ensuring robust integration with a companion mobile app. The role involves architectural planning, deployment oversight, and adherence to software compliance standards while operating in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Designs and codes backend services, APIs, and data-layer components in accordance with specifications using the appropriate tools.
• Maintains and updates existing backend applications and services.
• Analyzes detailed system factors, including input and output requirements, information flow, hardware and software needs, and alternative problem-solving approaches.
• Participates in code reviews to verify adherence to standards and specifications.
• Creates or updates program documentation, operations manuals, and API documentation per standards.
• Diagnoses and troubleshoots production application and data issues.
• Promotes and drives innovation in technologies, processes, and tools.
• Employs unit and integration testing to ensure solutions meet business needs.

Requirements

• U.S. Government Public Trust background investigation required; candidates must be eligible.
• U.S. citizenship for a minimum of five consecutive years.
• Bachelor's Degree with 8+ years of experience (or commensurate experience).
• Experience in an agile environment such as Scrum or SAFe.
• At least five years of direct, continuous work experience with Node.js and/or Java in a production backend environment.
• At least five years of direct experience with relational databases and SQL.
• Experience with non-relational and relational databases such as MySQL, SQL Server, and Oracle.
• Four or more years of programming experience using open-source server-side platforms in languages like JavaScript (Node.js) and Python.
• Understanding of fundamental web protocols and data formats: HTTP, SSL, and JSON.
• Ability to design, discuss, and document system strategies for platforms, applications, and networks.
• Experience designing and building RESTful APIs for external clients and downstream services.
• Experience integrating with external REST and SOAP web services.
• Experience working with frequently updated open-source libraries.
• Strong understanding of object-oriented design and SOLID principles.
• Proficiency with Git, GitHub, and Markdown text.
• Excellent spelling, grammar, and communication skills.
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, or related field; in special cases, five years of related work experience may substitute for a degree.

Technologies

• Node.js
• Java
• AWS CodePipeline
• MS SQL
• RDS Native
• MySQL
• SQL Server
• Oracle
• JavaScript
• Python
• Git, GitHub
• Markdown
• CloudFormation
• EC2
• S3
• ELB
• VPC
• Lambda
• API Gateway
• Serverless Framework
• Docker
• ECS
• JSON Schema
• Tableau
• Power BI

Preferred Skills and Experience

• CloudFormation, EC2, S3, ELB, VPC networking in AWS
• Lambda, API Gateway, Serverless Framework
• Docker, ECS
• CI/CD implementation
• Experience with AWS EC2, S3, RDS, and Lambda functions
• Experience using API and JSON Schema standards
• Database performance tuning and query optimization at scale
• Experience supporting public-facing web applications with large user bases
• Building data pipelines or backend integrations for Tableau or Power BI
• Experience with VA or other Federal Agencies
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in a remote work environment

Pay

Salary range: USD 95,000 to 115,000 per year.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education

Bachelor's degree is required. Accepted fields include Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, or related areas. In exceptional cases, five years of related work experience may substitute for a degree.

Experience

Eight or more years of relevant experience is expected for this role.

Location

Remote

Application Questions

• This position is open to U.S. citizens only with at least four years of citizenship. Are you a U.S. citizen?
• Are you eligible and willing to complete a U.S. Government Public Trust background investigation as a condition of employment?