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Entry Level Java Back End Developer Jobs in Washington, DC

Omm IT Solutions

Sr. Backend Java Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Candidates located in either of these locations will be considered. \n \n \n \n \n \n We are seeking an experienced Java Developer to design, develop, and support modern enterprise applications ...

New

VTG

Back-End Software Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

As a Back-End Software Developer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and ... Proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, or Ruby.

VTG

Back-End Software Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

As a Back-End Software Developer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and ... Proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, or Ruby.

BCforward

Test Automation (SDET)

Washington, DC · On-site

The candidate will manage the effort to implement test engineering best practices and solutions and ... Expertise in developing automated tests for Web, SOA/WS, DW/ETL, JAVA backend applications ...

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Entry Level Java Back End Developer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56.1K

$111.9K

$227.1K

How much do entry level java back end developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level java back end developer in Washington, DC is $111,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,400.00 and $116,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Java Back End Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Java Back End Developer, you need a solid understanding of Java programming, object-oriented principles, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with frameworks like Spring Boot, version control systems such as Git, and databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and deliver quality code. These skills are essential for building robust server-side applications and working efficiently within development teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Java Back End Developer vs Entry Level Java Software Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Java Back End DeveloperEntry Level Java Software Engineer
Required SkillsJava, SQL, REST APIs, basic understanding of server-side developmentJava, object-oriented programming, software design, debugging
Work EnvironmentFocus on server-side coding, database integration, API developmentBroader software development tasks, including front-end and back-end
Industry UsagePrimarily in web applications, enterprise systems, backend servicesIn various software projects, including applications and systems

While both roles involve Java programming, an Entry Level Java Back End Developer specializes in server-side development and API integration, whereas an Entry Level Java Software Engineer may work across different parts of the software stack. The roles often overlap, but the Back End Developer focuses more on backend systems and database interactions.

What does an Entry Level Java Back End Developer do?

An Entry Level Java Back End Developer is responsible for building and maintaining the server-side logic of web applications using Java. They work on tasks such as writing code, developing APIs, integrating databases, and ensuring the application runs smoothly behind the scenes. These developers collaborate with front-end teams to deliver complete solutions and often troubleshoot, debug, and optimize existing code. This role is ideal for those starting their career in software development and looking to gain experience in Java technologies and back-end systems.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level Java back end developers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level Java back end developers often encounter challenges such as understanding large, existing codebases and adapting to the team's coding standards. Balancing the learning curve of new frameworks, tools, and version control systems while delivering features on time can be demanding. Collaboration with front end developers, QA engineers, and project managers also requires effective communication and openness to feedback. Over time, these challenges help build valuable technical and teamwork skills that support career growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Java Back End Developer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Java Back End Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Java Back End Developer jobs in Washington, DC? For Entry Level Java Back End Developer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Java Back End Developer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Java Back End Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Entry Level Java Back End Developer jobs near you
Java Developer, Associate (Part Time - Regular)

Java Developer, Associate (Part Time - Regular)

LCG Inc

Rockville, MD • On-site

$52 - $67.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

New

Job description

Job Title: Java Developer, Associate (Part Time - Regular)
Location: Rockville, MD
Work Type: Hybrid Work ( 1 day onsite minimum - no exceptions)
Position: Part Time (20 hours per week)
Sponsorship: No sponsorship assistance is available for this position now or in the future.
Clearance: Ability to Obtain Public Trust
Job Overview: LCG is seeking a Java Developer, Associate (Part Time - Regular) to support NIH by designing, developing, testing, and maintaining secure, scalable enterprise applications that support mission-critical business operations. This role focuses on modernizing legacy applications, developing new Java-based services, and supporting enterprise software solutions using Java, Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, and modern DevSecOps practices.
The developer will work within the Client's Agile/SAFe delivery framework, collaborating closely with Enterprise Architecture, DevSecOps, IT Security, QA, Database Administrators, Business Analysts, and Product Owners to ensure solutions align with enterprise architecture, cybersecurity requirements (including RMF and Section 508 where applicable), and operational readiness standards.
Responsibilities span the complete Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including requirements analysis, architecture support, application development, integration, testing, deployment, production support, hyper-care, and transition to operations within a regulated federal environment.
Key Responsibilities
Java Application Development and Modernization
  • Design, develop, test, maintain, and enhance Java-based enterprise applications supporting NIH business operations.
  • Develop scalable backend services using Java 11+ (or higher), Spring Boot, and modern software engineering practices.
  • Modernize legacy applications by migrating business functionality into maintainable Java architectures.
  • Participate throughout the SDLC including analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, production support, and continuous improvement.
  • Develop reusable application components and shared libraries to improve maintainability and reduce technical debt.

Architecture, Design, and Enterprise Alignment
  • Participate in application architecture discussions and contribute to technical solution designs aligned with enterprise standards.
  • Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture, Database Administrators, DevSecOps, and IT Security teams to ensure solutions meet security, scalability, and performance requirements.
  • Translate business requirements into technical specifications, user stories, and implementation plans.
  • Support technical design documentation and architecture artifacts throughout project delivery.

API Development, Data Integration, and Backend Services
  • Design and develop RESTful APIs and backend services supporting enterprise applications.
  • Integrate Java applications with databases, cloud services, third-party platforms, and internal enterprise systems.
  • Develop efficient SQL queries, stored procedures, and data access layers using JPA/Hibernate.
  • Support secure authentication and authorization mechanisms for enterprise applications.

DevSecOps, CI/CD, and Configuration Management
  • Support automated CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or similar DevOps platforms.
  • Utilize Git for source code management, branching strategies, code reviews, and release management.
  • Follow enterprise configuration management, change management, and release governance processes.
  • Collaborate with DevOps engineers to automate deployments and improve software delivery efficiency.

Testing, Quality Assurance, and Documentation
  • Develop unit tests, integration tests, and participate in regression and performance testing activities.
  • Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and defect resolution throughout release cycles.
  • Participate in peer code reviews to maintain coding standards and software quality.
  • Maintain technical documentation, design documentation, API documentation, and operational support guides.
  • Support knowledge transfer and documentation for production support teams.

Cybersecurity Compliance and Secure Development
  • Develop applications following secure coding practices and federal cybersecurity requirements.
  • Collaborate with IT Security teams to remediate vulnerabilities identified through code scanning and security assessments.
  • Support RMF documentation, vulnerability remediation, and ATO readiness activities where applicable.
  • Ensure applications comply with organizational security policies and data protection requirements.

Deployment Support, Production Operations, and Continuous Improvement
  • Support application deployments and post-production validation activities.
  • Troubleshoot application defects, production issues, and performance bottlenecks.
  • Participate in root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
  • Support production stabilization during hyper-care periods following major releases.
  • Provide technical support and knowledge transfer to operations and maintenance teams.

Requirements
  • Previous NIH experience (strongly desired)
  • 3+ years professional experience developing enterprise Java applications.
  • 3+ years experience using Java (Java 8 or higher; Java 11+ preferred).
  • 2+ years experience developing applications using Spring Framework and Spring Boot.
  • 2+ years experience developing RESTful APIs and backend services.
  • 2+ years experience using JPA/Hibernate or similar ORM frameworks.
  • 2+ years experience writing SQL queries and working with relational databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, or MySQL.
  • 2+ years experience working in Agile/Scrum or SAFe environments.
  • 1+ year experience supporting applications within regulated environments requiring SDLC documentation, testing evidence, and governance (Federal preferred).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
  • Certification (Preferred)
    • Oracle Certified Professional Java Developer (OCP)
    • Spring Professional Certification
    • AWS Certified Developer - Associate
    • Microsoft Azure Developer Associate
    • Security+ (preferred for federal environments)
    • Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) or Scrum certification
  • Technical Skills (Required)
    • Java Development
      • Strong experience with Java 8/11+
      • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
      • Exception handling, collections, concurrency, multithreading
      • Performance tuning and optimization
    • Spring Framework
      • Spring Boot
      • Spring MVC
      • Spring Data JPA
      • Spring Security
      • Dependency Injection (IoC)
    • API and Backend Deployment
      • RESTful API development
      • JSON/XML processing
      • API security
      • OAuth2, JWT authentication
      • Backend service integration
    • Database Development
      • Oracle
      • SQL Server
      • PostgreSQL
      • MySQL
      • SQL optimization
      • Stored procedures
      • JPA/Hibernate
    • Cloud and DevSecOps
      • Git
      • GitHub
      • GitLab
      • Jenkins
      • Maven
      • Gradle
      • Docker
      • Kubernetes (preferred)
      • CI/CD pipeline support
    • Testing and Quality Assurance
      • JUnit
      • Mockito
      • Integration Testing
      • Functional Testing
      • Performance Testing
      • SonarQube
      • Static Code Analysis
    • Security and Compliance
      • Secure Coding Practices (OWASP)
      • Vulnerability remediation
      • RMF awareness
      • Section 508 awareness (where applicable)
      • Authentication and authorization best practices
  • Preferred Skills
    • Microservices architecture
    • Event-driven architecture
    • Cloud-native application development
    • AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
    • Docker and Kubernetes
    • Messaging technologies (Kafka, RabbitMQ, ActiveMQ)
    • Experience supporting NIH, HHS, or other federal agencies
    • Experience modernizing legacy Java applications
    • Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, or similar to improve development productivity, code quality, documentation, and modernization efforts.

Compensation and Benefits
The projected compensation range for this position is $43,27/hr to $49.04/hr benchmarked in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Salary at LCG is determined by various factors, including but not limited to role, location, the combination of education/training, knowledge, skills, competencies, certifications, and work experience.
LCG offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance options (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement plan contributions, as well as paid leave, federal holidays, professional development, and lifestyle benefits.
Devoted to Fair and Inclusive Practices
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
If you are interested in applying for employment with LCG and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department by email at .
Securing Your Data
Beware of fraudulent job offers using LCG's name. LCG will never request payment-related details or advancement of money during the application process. Legitimate communication will only come from lcginc.com or emails, not free commercial services like Gmail or WhatsApp. If you receive suspicious emails asking for payment or personal information, contact us immediately at .
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the .

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