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Backend Engineer Java Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer (Java, OpenFGA)

Rosslyn, VA · Hybrid

$59 - $81/hr

Software Engineer (Java, OpenFGA) Location: Hybrid, Rosslyn, VA Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have ... Design, develop, and maintain backend microservices and distributed systems to support enterprise ...

Java Backend Developer Senior

Ashburn, VA · Hybrid

$123K - $160K/yr

SW Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: None ... java backend application involving extensive messaging and transaction processing. * Design and ...

Backend / API Engineer

Bethesda, MD · Remote

$68K - $141K/yr

The engineer works closely with product owners, solution architects, and cross-functional ... Proficiency in Python, Java, or similar languages used for backend and API development

Java Backend Developer Senior

Ashburn, VA · Hybrid

$123K - $160K/yr

SW Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: None ... java backend application involving extensive messaging and transaction processing. * Design and ...

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Backend Engineer Java information

See Gaithersburg, MD salary details

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How much do backend engineer java jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for backend engineer java in Gaithersburg, MD is $59.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.45 and $68.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Backend Engineer Java do?

A Backend Engineer Java is responsible for developing and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and application programming interfaces (APIs) using the Java programming language. They ensure that the backend of web applications or software systems is efficient, secure, and scalable. Their work often involves collaborating with frontend developers, designing system architecture, and optimizing performance to handle large volumes of user requests. Backend Java engineers often use frameworks such as Spring or Hibernate and work with databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL.

What is the difference between Backend Engineer Java vs Backend Developer Java?

AspectBackend Engineer JavaBackend Developer Java
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and maintaining server-side applications and systemsImplementing and coding backend functionalities based on specifications
ResponsibilitiesSystem architecture, performance optimization, API developmentWriting code, debugging, integrating databases
Skills & CertificationsJava, Spring, REST APIs, SQL, cloud platformsJava, Spring, SQL, version control, testing tools
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, project planning, architecture designCode implementation, debugging, feature development

Both roles require Java expertise and similar certifications, but Backend Engineer Java typically involves higher-level system design and architecture responsibilities, while Backend Developer Java focuses more on coding and implementing features. Employers often see these roles as complementary within software development teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backend Engineer Java, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backend Engineer Java, you need a solid understanding of Java programming, data structures, algorithms, and experience with backend frameworks, typically supported by a relevant degree or industry experience. Familiarity with tools and technologies such as Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, relational databases, and build systems like Maven or Gradle is commonly required. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in collaborative and fast-paced development environments. These combined skills ensure robust, scalable backend systems that meet business needs and integrate smoothly within larger software architectures.

How does a Backend Engineer Java typically collaborate with frontend developers and other stakeholders in a project?

As a Backend Engineer Java, you will regularly collaborate with frontend developers to ensure seamless integration between server-side logic and user interfaces. This often involves participating in design discussions, clarifying API requirements, and troubleshooting integration issues. You’ll also engage with product managers, QA engineers, and sometimes DevOps teams to align on project goals, timelines, and deployment strategies. Effective communication is key to translating business requirements into reliable backend solutions and maintaining smooth workflows across the team.
What are popular job titles related to Backend Engineer Java jobs in Gaithersburg, MD? For Backend Engineer Java jobs in Gaithersburg, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backend Engineer Java jobs in Gaithersburg, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Backend Engineer Java jobs in Gaithersburg, MD are:
What cities near Gaithersburg, MD are hiring for Backend Engineer Java jobs? Cities near Gaithersburg, MD with the most Backend Engineer Java job openings:
Software Engineer (Java, OpenFGA)

Software Engineer (Java, OpenFGA)

Agile Defense

Rosslyn, VA • Hybrid

$59 - $81/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Agile Defense
 
At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That's why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.
 
Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility-leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation's vital interests.

Requisition #: 1669
Job Title: Software Engineer (Java, OpenFGA)
Location: Hybrid, Rosslyn, VA
Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Clearance to Start
Job Description
In this role, you will build distributed backend services and durable APIs that support a modern HubandSpoke architecture. Your work will play a key role in advancing operational AI, enabling mission systems, enterprise governance, agentic AI, and scalable delivery.
 
Software Engineer (Java, OpenFGA)

Contribute to the development of the OpenFGA wrapper service and supporting tools, writing clean, maintainable code under guidance of senior engineers.
 
Design, develop, and maintain backend microservices and distributed systems to support enterprise AI operations.
You will be responsible for building and maintaining microservices that integrate seamlessly with cloud-native platforms, ensuring continuous monitoring and high reliability across all operational workflows. Build and optimize APIs and event-driven architectures for scalable and reliable data flow.  

Responsibilities
  • Implement API endpoints and business logic for wrapper service
  • Develop features for OpenFGA data model management
  • Write unit tests and integration tests
  • Debug and resolve software defects
  • Assist with documentation and code examples
  • Participate in code reviews and team ceremonies
  • Support onboarding team with technical questions
  • Contribute to CI/CD pipeline improvements
Education Background
  • High School Diploma or equivalent(GED) required.
Years of Experience
10+ years
Required Skills

Skills
  • Hands-on experience with Java and Spring Boot.
  • Background designing and implementing RESTful APIs
  • Proficiency with core AWS services
Preferred Skills
  • Experience in a fast-paced and mission-focused environment, requiring you to collaborate closely with teams specializing in AI, DevSecOps, data engineering, platform engineering, and cybersecurity
  • Familiarity with frameworks and tools like Django, NATS, Kafka, Redis, ClickHouse, OpenTelemetry, OpenRouter, and LiteLLM will be highly advantageous as you design and implement scalable, observable, and secure solutions
  • Experience with any of the following technologies: Django, NATS, Kafka, Redis, ClickHouse, OpenTelemetry, OpenRouter, and LiteLLM
Working Conditions
Onsite twice a week in Rosslyn, VA
Our Core Values
 
Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together. 
 
What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.
 
  • Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
  • Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
  • Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
  • Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
  • Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
  • Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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