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Junior Backend Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Jr. ASIC Design Engineer

Batavia, NY · Hybrid

$70K - $93K/yr

We are looking for a Junior ASIC Design Engineer to lead and contribute to research activities and ... Experience with industry-standard front-end and back-end CAD/EDA design tools, such as Cadence ...

Software Engineer III

Rochester, NY · On-site

$85K - $134K/yr

... back end, and external components and integrations • Review code created by other engineering ... more junior/co-op engineering staff • Obtain and maintain technical certification(s) within the ...

Junior Backend Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$33.1K

$70.8K

$108K

How much do junior backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior backend engineer in Rochester, NY is $70,842.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $78,900.00 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 cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Junior Backend Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Junior Backend Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Backend Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,276 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Jr. ASIC Design Engineer

Fermilab

Batavia, NY • Hybrid

$70K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Fermilab rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is:

$70,800.00-$93,200.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:

We are looking for a Junior ASIC Design Engineer to lead and contribute to research activities and engineering work focused on developing custom instrumentation for extreme radiation and/or cryogenic environments.

What your day-to-day as a Junior ASIC Design Engineer at Fermilab will look like:

  • Performing a leading role in Analog and RF ASIC design projects, while being able to contribute individually to major design tasks.

  • Developing design specifications for ASICs based on theoretical analyses and in conjunction with application needs.

  • Designing circuit networks using schematic entry and layout tools with full custom or timing-driven layout tools in Cadence CAD/EDA or a similar environment.

  • Models circuit networks and system components in hardware-description languages (Verilog-A and Verilog/SystemVerilog).

  • Building test benches and carries out analog and/or RF circuit simulations.

  • Executing physical and functional circuit and system verification.

  • Preparing documentation and participates in test-board designs and laboratory testing.

  • Delivering presentations internally, at national and international workshops, and at the topical conferences.

  • Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor.

  • Abiding by and being responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

  • Bachelor's degree in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Readiness for working on challenging projects that may have tight schedules.

  • Capability of working as part of a design team in a research and development environment

  • Experience with industry-standard front-end and back-end CAD/EDA design tools, such as Cadence, Synopsys and Mentor for the IC design.

  • Familiarity with principles of instrumentation for radiation detection with solid state or gaseous detectors and usages in extreme environments, like cryogenic or radiation harsh conditions

  • Strong computer skills and competence in performing analytical engineering calculations, in drawing schematics and in documentation.


Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

  • Hybrid: is a work arrangement in which an employee as part of an ongoing regular schedule, works at an alternative worksite in the United States (e.g., an employee's residence) on some days and at the primary worksite on other days. Requires an approved hybrid work request for one or more days a week worked remotely within the United States on a routine basis.

Benefits/Perks:

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Paid time off

  • Life insurance

  • Short and Long-term disability insurance

  • Retirement benefits

  • Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:


Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.


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