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Senior Back End Developer Jobs in Virginia, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Back End Developer information

See Virginia, IL salary details

$62.8K

$137.1K

$186.8K

How much do senior back end developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior back end developer in Virginia, IL is $137,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,200.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges senior back end developers face when working on large-scale systems?

Senior Back End Developers often encounter challenges such as ensuring system scalability, maintaining high performance under increased load, and designing robust APIs that can evolve over time. They must also address complex data consistency issues and integrate with multiple third-party services or legacy systems. Collaborating closely with front end, DevOps, and QA teams is crucial to align on architecture decisions and streamline deployment processes, making strong communication and problem-solving skills essential.

What is the difference between Senior Back End Developer vs Backend Engineer?

AspectSenior Back End DeveloperBackend Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, experience in backend developmentBachelor's in CS or related field, experience in backend systems
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with front-end developers, product managers, and QA teamsWorks on server-side logic, database integration, and API development
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and enterprise software firmsUsed across similar industries, often interchangeably with Senior Back End Developer

Both roles require similar technical skills and educational backgrounds, focusing on server-side development. The main difference lies in the seniority level and scope of responsibilities, with Senior Back End Developers typically taking on more leadership and complex project tasks compared to Backend Engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior back end developer?

To thrive as a Senior Back End Developer, you need advanced programming skills (such as in Python, Java, or Node.js), a deep understanding of server-side architecture, and experience with databases, often backed by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with frameworks (like Django or Spring), RESTful APIs, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), and version control systems (such as Git) is typically required, along with relevant certifications. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you deliver robust solutions and mentor junior developers. These skills ensure scalable, secure, and maintainable back-end systems that are vital for reliable business operations.

What is a senior back end developer?

Senior Back End Developers are experienced software engineers who specialize in building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power web and mobile applications. They collaborate with front end developers and other team members to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of applications. Their responsibilities often include designing system architecture, optimizing code for scalability, implementing security best practices, and mentoring junior developers. Senior Back End Developers typically have several years of experience and a deep understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, or Node.js.
Senior Back End Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Back End Developer job openings in Virginia, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 72% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,115 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Forward Deployed Team Lead, Federal

C3 AI

Virginia, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Forward Deployed Team Leads are senior tech leads who own a federal customer end-to-end. You'll combine strong technical architecture, hands-on coding, product ownership, project management, and stakeholder communication - embedding directly with civilian agency and Department of War (DoW) / DoD customers to take our product from "design" to "in production."

You'll own one account at a time: scope the workflow with operators, design the architecture, write the code that closes the gaps, drive ATO / cATO, and deploy into the environments the mission actually runs on - including high-side.

This role requires US Citizenship. Active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance (Secret or higher) is preferred. Responsibilities:
  • Technical architecture. Own data flow, integration topology, identity model, and deployment topology across IL boundaries.
  • Hands-on coding. Write production code yourself - backend services, data pipelines, APIs, integrations.
  • Product ownership. Own the deployment's roadmap. Execute on the Statement of work. Decide what's in scope, what's a one-off, and what should become product.
  • Project management. Own the plan, milestones, risks, and dependencies. When something slips, know first and flag first.
  • Stakeholder communication. Run customer working sessions, brief program offices, and write clean status updates senior stakeholders will actually read.
  • Ship into production, including high-side. Deploy across IL2 IL5 IL6 as the mission requires. Work hands-on inside SIPR/JWICS and air-gapped networks. Land workloads on Advana and other CDAO-managed environments.
  • Drive ATO / cATO. Partner with security, ISSMs, and AOs to get authorization. Own the SSPs, POA&Ms, and accreditation artifacts.
  • Bridge field back to product. Push field learnings into the core platform so the next deployment is faster.
Qualifications:
  • BS/MS in CS, Software Engineering, or equivalent.
  • 6+ years shipping production software, with 2+ years as a tech lead.
  • Strong proficiency in Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, Java, Go, or C++.
  • Demonstrated ownership of systems taken from zero to production.
  • Prior delivery into a U.S. federal customer (civilian and/or DoW/DoD). Working knowledge of PMOs, ATOs, AOs, ISSMs, RMF, FedRAMP, and contract vehicles.
  • Hands-on deployment experience inside accredited environments - IL5 minimum; IL6 / SIPR / JWICS preferred. Familiarity with Advana, cATO, and CDAO-managed environments is a strong plus.
  • U.S. citizen, Active TS/SCI strongly preferred or willing to pursue a security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior tech lead or staff engineer role at a federal-focused software vendor or service software factory (Kessel Run, Kobayashi Maru, Platform One, Army Software Factory, etc.).
  • Experience with AWS GovCloud / C2S, Azure Government / Government Secret, or other accredited cloud environments.
  • Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD into disconnected environments, data engineering at scale.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future company sponsorship.

Apply