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Junior Backend Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Lead Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$141K - $212K/yr

Lead the design, development, and delivery of distributed backend systems using Golang . * Define ... Mentor junior engineers through code reviews, design discussions, and technical coaching. * Ensure ...

Participate in sprint planning, technical reviews, and architectural discussions, while mentoring junior engineers on backend best practices. * Drive innovation by evaluating new backend technologies ...

Participate in sprint planning, technical reviews, and architectural discussions, while mentoring junior engineers on backend best practices. * Drive innovation by evaluating new backend technologies ...

Senior Backend Developer

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$120K - $156K/yr

Senior Java Backend Developer Location: Vienna or Winchester, VA, San Diego, CA, or Pensacola, FL ... The developer will contribute to application modernization efforts, mentor junior engineers ...

Senior Backend Developer

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$120K - $156K/yr

Senior Java Backend Developer Location: Vienna or Winchester, VA, San Diego, CA, or Pensacola, FL ... The developer will contribute to application modernization efforts, mentor junior engineers ...

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Junior Backend Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$37.9K

$81.3K

$124K

How much do junior backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior backend engineer in Washington is $81,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $90,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior backend engineer?

Junior Backend Engineers are entry-level software developers who focus on building and maintaining the server-side components of web applications. They work with databases, APIs, and server logic to ensure that applications function smoothly and efficiently. Typically, they collaborate with frontend engineers, follow best coding practices, and learn from more experienced team members while gaining hands-on experience with backend technologies such as Node.js, Python, Java, or Ruby.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior backend engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Backend Engineer, you need a solid understanding of server-side programming languages (such as Python, Java, or Node.js), relational and non-relational databases, and a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, RESTful API development, and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS or Azure) is typically expected. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and adapt to changing requirements. These skills ensure that you can contribute reliable, maintainable code and support the scalability and security of backend systems.

What are some common challenges faced by junior backend engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior Backend Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex codebases, integrating with legacy systems, and managing time effectively while learning new technologies. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and following best practices for code reviews can also be new experiences. Most teams provide mentorship and code review sessions to support growth, and it's common to gradually take on more responsibility as confidence and skills increase.

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

AspectJunior Backend EngineerBackend Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in CS or related field; some certificationsSimilar credentials; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, supervised tasksMid-level to senior projects, more autonomous roles
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and software firmsWidespread across industries requiring backend solutions
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by beginners or those exploring rolesCompared for experience level or career progression

The main difference between a Junior Backend Engineer and a Backend Developer lies in experience and responsibility. Junior Backend Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on learning and supporting development tasks under supervision. Backend Developers usually have more experience, handling complex projects independently. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common in tech industries, but the level of autonomy and project complexity distinguishes them.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Backend Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Junior Backend Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Junior Backend Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Backend Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,320 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Senior Backend Python Developer

Mclean, VA • On-site

$127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Our organization is a unique software development company based in McLean, Virginia, dedicated to providing top-tier solutions to defend the United States and its businesses.  

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Senior Backend Python Developer who embodies our commitment to excellence and is driven to "do it right." This is a long-term opportunity for serious professionals who meet our stringent requirements and are eager to contribute to our critical mission. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, and we offer significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement within our best-of-the-best team. 

DESCRIPTION: 

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Backend Python Developer to lead the development and architecture of robust and scalable backend systems for our critical applications. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Python and a proven track record of designing, building, and deploying high-performance backend solutions. This role requires a strong technical leader who can architect complex systems, mentor junior developers, drive best practices, and effectively utilize technologies such as Flask, RESTful APIs, SocketIO, and graph query languages. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and security of our mission-critical backend infrastructure. 

Day-to-day responsibilities and duties include: 

  • Lead the design, architecture, and development of scalable and high-performance backend REST APIs using Python and the Flask framework.
  • Architect and implement robust real-time communication featuresutilizing Python and SocketIO for critical application components.
  • Design and implement efficient data models and interactions with graph databases,leveraging expertise in graph query languages (e.g., Cypher, Gremlin, graphql and aql)tooptimizedata retrieval and manipulation.
  • Collaborate closely with frontend developers, architects, and product owners to define and implement comprehensive backend solutions that meet project requirements and ensure seamless integration.
  • Write and maintain clean, well-documented, performant, and scalable Python code, establishing and enforcing coding standards and best practices across the team.
  • Conduct thorough code reviews, providing constructive feedback and ensuring code quality, security, and maintainability.
  • Proactively identify and resolve complex technical challenges, performance bottlenecks, and architectural issues within the backend systems.
  • Stay at the forefront of backend development trends, evaluating and recommending new technologies and approaches to enhance our capabilities and improve system efficiency.
  • Lead and mentor junior backend developers, providing guidance, technical expertise, and fostering their professional growth.
  • Drive the adoption of backend testing best practices, including unit, integration, and end-to-end testing, and ensure adequate test coverage.
  • Collaborate effectively within an agile development environment, participatingin planning, estimation, and architectural discussions.
  • Take ownership of the technical aspects of backend delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and security requirements.
  • Contribute significantly to the continuous improvement of our development processes, tools, and overall backend architecture.
  • Participate in on-call rotations and troubleshoot production issues as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants MUST

- must be able to qualify and maintain security clearance. 
 
- have at least 6 years of Backend Python Developer experience and have a good understanding of professional business environments. 

- be very friendly and able to calmly handle clients and staff 

- be able to carry themselves in a professional manner

- be punctual, responsible, and reliable 

- have good written and verbal communication skills (answering the phone and composing emails in a professional manner) 

Benefits / Additional Compensation: 

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401k match
  • Paid Time off

Job Type: Full-time 

Pay: From $127,000 per year excluding bonus and benefits.

Schedule: 

  • The schedule for this position is project driven and can be highly variable depending on project deadlines and the specific needs of the software development teams.
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person