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Junior Backend Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mentor junior engineers through collaboration, code reviews, and technical guidance Required Qualifications * 3+ years of professional software engineering experience with backend systems * Strong ...

Proven experience as a backend developer or software engineer, with a strong focus on designing and ... of junior team members. * Entrepreneurial Spirit: An entrepreneurial mindset that thrives in a ...

... senior developers, tech leads, architects and contributing highly to the design strategy, coding standards with the peer developers for the quality deliverables • Using technology skills to ...

... junior engineers. • Collaborate with product, frontend, and data teams to define API contracts and deliver seamless user experiences. • Optimize performance of backend services, ensuring low ...

Backend Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$137K - $173K/yr

Mentor junior engineers or take on leadership roles, depending on your seniority. What We're ... Proficiency in backend programming languages like Java or Go. * Familiarity with relational and/or ...

Backend Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$137K - $173K/yr

Mentor junior engineers or take on leadership roles, depending on your seniority. What We're ... Proficiency in backend programming languages like Java or Go. * Familiarity with relational and/or ...

Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on best practices in backend development. * Implement and develop microservices architecture to improve system modularity. * Utilize cloud platforms (AWS ...

Backend Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$137K - $173K/yr

Mentor junior engineers or take on leadership roles, depending on your seniority. What We're ... Proficiency in backend programming languages like Java or Go. * Familiarity with relational and/or ...

Mentor junior engineers or take on leadership roles, depending on your seniority. What We're ... Proficiency in backend programming languages like Java or Go. * Familiarity with relational and/or ...

Backend Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$138K - $167K/yr

As a Backend Engineer you will lead the development of core platform services, designing and ... You'll work as both an individual contributor and a lead for more junior engineers. We're looking ...

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Junior Backend Engineer information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior backend engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Junior Backend Engineers?

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

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.
More about Junior Backend Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Backend Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Backend Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Backend Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Backend Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Backend Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Backend Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Senior Backend Engineer

Sphinx Defense

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

ABOUT SPHINX
Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.
We're focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Sphinx is hiring a Senior Backend Engineer to join our team, building the next generation of mission planning and command and control software for space communications programs. This team is charged with creating modern, resilient services and capabilities to service the US Government for the next decade and beyond.
As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will play a key role in building a cutting-edge communications platform for US government satellites. Sphinx is hiring a Senior Backend Engineer to join our Space Communications team, building a ground communications and data-transport platform for US government satellites. As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will lead the development of core platform services and design and build technology to support the operations of various US government satellites. You'll work as both an individual contributor and a lead for more junior engineers.
You will have an outsized role in determining what we build and how we work. You'll work as both an individual contributor and a lead for more junior engineers.
What you will be focusing on:
  • Building multi-tenant services on public cloud platforms like AWS
  • Building, architecting, and consuming APIs and backend services as part of the platform ecosystem with an emphasis on automation, testing, and security
  • Advocating for improvements to product quality, security, and performance that have a particular impact on your team and others
  • Supporting junior engineering talent with mentorship or technical guidance
  • Interacting with customers and partners to help them integrate with our services
  • Scale the services and solve interesting Space Communication challenges

You might be a good fit if you have:
  • 5+ years of progressively responsible software engineering experience
  • Have extensive experience with Python, FastAPI, Postgres, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform*
  • Demonstrable in-depth knowledge of at least one commercial cloud platform and its associated services
  • Led the architecture, development, and building of backend services and APIs to ensure performance, security, and reliability
  • An ability to successfully own technical problems end-to-end
  • Made enough mistakes and booked enough wins to know what not to build and what good looks like
  • Excellent communication skills, working with end-users to design and build solutions to their needs, a habit of self-directed learning of new technologies, and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to a fast-paced environment

LOCATION
This hybrid role requires a regular presence in Colorado Springs, CO.
COMPENSATION
This role is between $160,000 - $185,000 base salary.
BENEFITS
Compensation includes competitive salary, meaningful equity ownership, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, and 100% employer covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
EEO STATEMENT
At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.