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Senior Backend Developer Python Jobs in McLean, VA

Urban Legend

Senior Backend Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Django & Python * Deep experience building production Django apps * Strong knowledge of Django REST ... DevOps & Tooling * Comfortable working with Docker * Experience deploying to Heroku or similar ...

Urban Legend

Senior Backend Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Django & Python * Deep experience building production Django apps * Strong knowledge of Django REST ... DevOps & Tooling * Comfortable working with Docker * Experience deploying to Heroku or similar ...

Data Society

Sr. Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

... Python and TypeScript/Node.js. * Fullstack engineer with a backend bent - able to contribute to a ... Proficiency with Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines and security‑gated build processes (Veracode or ...

Cape Fox SS

Back End Developer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$185K - $220K/yr

Top Secret with SCI Eligibility and CI Polygraph Bachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field. 8+ years in back-end development. Back-end languages (Python, Java, C#, Ruby ...

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Senior Backend Developer Python information

See McLean, VA salary details

$16.2K

$149.8K

$193.1K

How much do senior backend developer python jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend developer python in McLean, VA is $149,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $147,100.00 and $169,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior backend developer Python do?

A Senior Backend Developer Python designs, builds, and maintains the server-side logic and databases for web applications, primarily using the Python programming language. They are responsible for ensuring high performance, responsiveness, and security of applications, integrating with front-end elements, and working closely with other developers and stakeholders. Additionally, they often mentor junior developers, review code, and contribute to architectural decisions to ensure scalable and robust backend systems.

What is the difference between Senior Backend Developer Python vs Backend Developer Python?

AspectSenior Backend Developer PythonBackend Developer Python
Required Experience5+ years, leadership skills1-3 years, foundational skills
CertificationsRelevant certifications (e.g., AWS, Python)Optional, entry-level certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning architecture, mentoringImplementing features, coding
ResponsibilitiesSystem design, team coordinationCode development, bug fixing

The main difference between a Senior Backend Developer Python and a Backend Developer Python lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior developers typically lead projects and mentor others, while backend developers focus on coding and feature implementation. Both roles require strong Python skills and relevant certifications, but senior roles demand more experience and strategic involvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior backend developer Python?

To thrive as a Senior Backend Developer Python, you need deep expertise in Python programming, software architecture, and experience with databases and API development, usually supported by a computer science degree and several years of professional coding experience. Familiarity with frameworks like Django or Flask, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and version control systems such as Git is typically expected, along with knowledge of containerization tools like Docker. Strong problem-solving skills, collaboration, and clear communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure the development of robust, scalable backend systems that meet business needs and support seamless integration with other technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by senior backend developers working with Python, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Backend Developers working with Python often encounter challenges such as ensuring high performance and scalability of applications, especially when dealing with large volumes of data or high user traffic. Managing dependencies and maintaining clean, modular codebases can also be demanding in complex projects. These challenges are typically addressed by leveraging advanced Python frameworks, implementing robust testing practices, and collaborating closely with DevOps and frontend teams to optimize system architecture and deployment pipelines. Continuous learning and staying updated with best practices in Python and backend development are also key to overcoming these obstacles.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Backend Developer Python jobs in McLean, VA? For Senior Backend Developer Python jobs in McLean, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Backend Developer Python jobs in McLean, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Backend Developer Python jobs in McLean, VA are:
What cities near McLean, VA are hiring for Senior Backend Developer Python jobs? Cities near McLean, VA with the most Senior Backend Developer Python job openings:
Senior Backend Developer Python jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Backend Developer Python job openings in McLean, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,843 per year, or $72 per hour.

Senior Backend Engineer

Urban Legend

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer with deep Django and API experience to help build and scale the backend powering our mobile app, web platform, internal tools, payments, automation systems, and integrations.

You'll operate as the senior backend IC leading implementation, while collaborating closely with our engineering leadership on architecture, larger decisions, and long-term direction. Over time, you'll take on increasing ownership of backend systems and engineering standards.

This role demands reliability, strong problem-solving, and the ability to figure things out independently without compromising system stability.

ABOUT URBAN LEGEND:

Urban Legend is a tech startup that's redefining influencer marketing for public affairs and advocacy campaigns. The Urban Legend Exchange is an invite-only platform where advertisers run campaigns that mobilize creators to drive meaningful and measurable actions in support of issues that matter.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

  • Build and maintain high-quality backend systems using Django, Django REST Framework, and PostgreSQL
  • Improve and optimize complex Django Admin workflows to make our internal tools faster, more usable, and more robust
  • Design and refine database schemas, migrations, and data models for complex business logic
  • Develop reliable REST APIs consumed by our mobile apps, web platform, and partner integrations
  • Implement and maintain integrations with critical third-party APIs (Stripe, PayPal, Twilio, SendGrid, AWS S3, OpenAI, social platforms, Zapier, and more)
  • Manage async/background tasks using Redis, RQ, and related tooling
  • Work closely with the Product Design Lead and frontend engineers to ensure requirements are clear, feasible, and technically sound
  • Collaborate with the engineering leadership - reviewing architecture, aligning on best practices, and planning backend evolution
  • Participate in on-call rotation and help diagnose/resolve production issues when needed
  • Write high-quality tests (unit, integration) and maintain a stable CI pipeline
  • Contribute to performance improvements across the stack - query optimization, caching strategies, and backend efficiency
  • Help establish backend engineering standards as we grow the team
  • Make pragmatic technical decisions that balance speed, quality, and long-term maintainability

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

Django & Python
  • Deep experience building production Django apps
  • Strong knowledge of Django REST Framework
  • Ability to design and optimize complex Django models, queries, and admin workflows
  • Comfortable with advanced ORM features and occasional raw SQL
Databases
  • Strong PostgreSQL experience (indexing, optimization, schema design)
  • Confidence navigating complex data flows and migrations
APIs & Integrations
  • Experience with REST API design and documentation
  • Experience integrating with third-party APIs and handling webhook systems
  • Ability to diagnose and debug flaky or unreliable integrations
Async Processing
  • Redis + job queue experience (RQ, Celery, or similar)
  • Understanding of task workers, retries, failure handling, and monitoring
Security & Auth
  • Familiarity with JWT-based auth, rate limiting, secure data flows, and general Django security best practices
DevOps & Tooling
  • Comfortable working with Docker
  • Experience deploying to Heroku or similar platforms
  • Familiar with GitHub Actions or other CI systems
  • Understanding of logging, monitoring, and error tracking (Sentry, etc.)
Testing & Quality
  • Strong testing habits (Django Test Framework, pytest-django)
  • Familiar with Factory Boy, Faker, or similar tools
  • Won't ship code without understanding its impact on stability


BENEFITS:

  • Competitive compensation structure and bonus opportunities
  • Health benefits package
  • Unlimited PTO

Apply