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Lead Backend Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sr Backend Developer

Herndon, VA · Remote

$123K - $160K/yr

BDR is seeking a Sr. Back-End Developer to join our growing team! This position will be performed ... Lead the design and development of secure back-end services, RESTful APIs, and microservices that ...

Back-End Developer, SME

Springfield, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Back-End Developer (SME) Springfield, VA OVERVIEW: * This is more than a typical software ... Lead the development of secure, scalable back-end applications and services * Design and build ...

New

This role is a client-facing technical lead who partners with designers, frontend developers, and ... You bring years or decades of backend expertise, take ownership of technical decisions, and enjoy ...

Java Backend Developer - Senior

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Requirements Job Responsibilities • Working closely with the tech lead and senior developers, the ... backend application involving extensive messaging and transaction processing • Design and ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Backend Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$68.5K

$167.2K

$225.4K

How much do lead backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead backend engineer in Washington is $167,241.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,400.00 and $194,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are lead backend engineers still in demand?

Lead backend engineers remain in high demand due to the ongoing need for scalable server-side solutions, cloud integration, and system architecture expertise. Companies seek professionals with strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, along with experience in database management and DevOps practices. The role often requires leadership abilities and familiarity with modern frameworks and tools to support digital transformation initiatives.

What is a lead backend engineer?

Lead Backend Engineers are senior-level software engineers who oversee the development, maintenance, and optimization of server-side applications and systems. They guide teams of backend developers, design system architecture, and ensure code quality and scalability. In addition to technical responsibilities, Lead Backend Engineers often collaborate with other departments, mentor junior engineers, and help set best practices for backend development within an organization.

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

AspectLead Backend EngineerBackend Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field; experience in system architectureBachelor's degree in CS or related field; coding proficiency
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project planning, architecture designCode development, feature implementation
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, enterprise softwareWeb development firms, tech startups, software agencies
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, architecture, project managementCoding, feature development, debugging

The main difference between a Lead Backend Engineer and a Backend Developer lies in their responsibilities. The Lead Backend Engineer oversees system architecture, leads technical teams, and manages project planning, while the Backend Developer focuses primarily on coding, implementing features, and debugging. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but the Lead role involves more leadership and strategic planning within tech teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead backend engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Backend Engineer, you need deep expertise in backend programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Node.js), software architecture, and experience with large-scale system design, usually supported by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and database management systems, as well as knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and relevant certifications, are typically important. Leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you guide teams, communicate effectively, and resolve technical challenges. These skills and qualities are essential for building robust, scalable systems and ensuring team efficiency in dynamic development environments.

How does a lead backend engineer typically collaborate with front-end teams and other stakeholders?

As a Lead Backend Engineer, collaboration with front-end developers and cross-functional stakeholders is essential to deliver seamless user experiences. You’ll regularly participate in design discussions, API planning sessions, and code reviews to ensure backend services align with front-end requirements and business goals. Effective communication, clear documentation, and a proactive approach to resolving integration issues are key to successful collaboration. Additionally, you may coordinate with product managers, QA engineers, and DevOps teams to streamline deployment and maintain system reliability.
What are popular job titles related to Lead Backend Engineer jobs in Washington? For Lead Backend Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Backend Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Backend Engineer jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Lead Backend Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,241 per year, or $80.4 per hour.

Sr Backend Developer

BDR Solutions LLC

Herndon, VA • Remote

$123K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

BDR Solutions, LLC, (BDR) supports the U.S. Federal Government in successfully achieving its mission and goals. Our service and solution delivery starts with understanding each client’s end-state, and then seamlessly integrating within each Agency’s organization to improve and enhance business and technical operations and deployments.

BDR is seeking a Sr. Back-End Developer to join our growing team! This position will be performed virtually from the individual’s home office working on EST time schedule. This position requires US Citizenship with an active Public Trust.

(Military Veterans and HUBZone candidates are highly encouraged to apply)

Role Overview

The Sr. Back-End Developer will focus on building secure, scalable, and high-performing server-side applications and APIs. The developer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including front-end engineers, DevOps, cybersecurity, and IRS stakeholders, to design, develop and maintain back-end solutions aligned with cloud and security standards

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of secure back-end services, RESTful APIs, and microservices that integrate with IRS digital platforms.
  • Implement best practices for cloud-native applications in an AWS and Kubernetes-based environment, ensuring compliance with IRS Publication 4812, NIST 800-53, and FISMA requirements.
  • Collaborate with product owners, technical leads, and stakeholders to refine user stories and translate them into functional back-end features.
  • Support CI/CD processes using Jenkins, GitHub Actions, and SonarQube, including automated testing and secure deployments.
  • Perform unit testing, integration testing, and assist in developing automated test cases to ensure 90%+ code coverage for critical functionality.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve production issues, providing root cause analysis and implementing long-term fixes.
  • Contribute to performance tuning, scalability testing, and capacity planning to meet IRS standards for availability and load performance.

Required Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust background investigation.
  • Minimum Requirements: Favorable Tier 2 – Moderate Risk Public Trust (SF-85P) investigation.
  • Elevated Eligibility: Tier 4 – High Risk Public Trust (SF-85P) investigation, if duties involve elevated system privileges, access to sensitive systems
  • Staff-Like Access: Contractor personnel must receive a favorable suitability determination before being granted staff-like access to IRS information systems.
  • 7+ years of back-end development experience, including at least 3+ years in a senior or lead developer role.
  • Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments delivering iterative releases.
  • Familiarity with cloud environments, FedRAMP, FISMA, and NIST 800-53 standards.
  • Experience with tools such as Jenkins, Git, SonarQube, NexusIQ, Selenium, and AppDynamics.

Preferred:

  • CompTIA Sec+ (or equivalent baseline DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification) (Preferred).
  • AWS Certified Developer – Associate (or equivalent cloud certification) (Preferred).
  • Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) or other Agile-related certification (Preferred).
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or Professional (Preferred).
  • Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) or similar container-related certification (Preferred).
  • Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) or similar secure software development credential (Preferred).

The salary compensation range for this position is 130,000-150,000. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

In addition, U.S Citizenship is required. Select applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and be able to obtain a government-granted security clearance. Individuals may also be subject to a background investigation including, but not limited to criminal history, employment and education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.

BDR Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.


Requirements:
None