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Senior Backend Developer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

BDR Solutions LLC

Sr Backend Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$123K - $160K/yr

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 ...

Maximus

Senior Back-End Developer

VA · On-site +1

$120K - $157K/yr

The Senior Back-End Developer provides subject matter proficiency for work described in the task. Responsible for providing analytical skills to support process improvement, specialized studies, and ...

BDR Solutions LLC

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 virtually from the individual's home office working on EST time schedule. This position requires US ...

Maximus

Senior Back-End Developer

VA · On-site +1

$120K - $157K/yr

The Senior Back-End Developer provides subject matter proficiency for work described in the task. Responsible for providing analytical skills to support process improvement, specialized studies, and ...

Chenega MIOS

Senior Backend Developer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$120K - $157K/yr

Req ID: 40538 Summary Senior Backend Developer Vienna, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where ...

Chenega Corporation

Senior Backend Developer

Vienna, VA

$120K - $157K/yr

Summary Senior Backend Developer Vienna, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where professional ...

Chenega MIOS SBU

Senior Backend Developer

Vienna, VA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Backend Developer to build software leveraging Esri's products and APIs, focusing on backend services that solve complex problems at a global scale. Responsibilities : • ...

Data Society

Sr. Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

About the Role The onshore Senior Back-End Engineer leads backend microservices architecture and ... Proficiency with Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines and security-gated build processes (Veracode or ...

Data Society

Sr. Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

About the Role The onshore Senior Back-End Engineer leads backend microservices architecture and ... Proficiency with Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines and security-gated build processes (Veracode or ...

Urban Legend

Senior Backend Engineer

Alexandria, VA

JOB SUMMARY: We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer with deep Django and API experience to ... DevOps & Tooling * Comfortable working with Docker * Experience deploying to Heroku or similar ...

Urban Legend

Senior Backend Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY: We're looking for a Senior Backend Engineer with deep Django and API experience to ... DevOps & Tooling * Comfortable working with Docker * Experience deploying to Heroku or similar ...

Vantor

Senior Backend Developer, Data Platform

Reston, VA · On-site

$137K - $182K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Backend Developer/Engineer to join our hybrid agile team and help build and scale our data platform and pipelines to support Intelligence Community AI efforts.

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Senior Backend Developer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$72.5K

$158.4K

$215.8K

How much do senior backend developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend developer in Washington, DC is $158,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,500.00 and $177,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Backend Developer do?

A Senior Backend Developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the server-side logic of web applications. They work with databases, APIs, and server infrastructure to ensure that applications run smoothly, securely, and efficiently. In addition to writing robust code, they often mentor junior developers, contribute to architectural decisions, and collaborate with frontend teams to deliver seamless user experiences. Their expertise is crucial for scaling applications and implementing best practices in software development.

What is L1, L2, L3, and L4 developer?

L1, L2, L3, and L4 are levels of software developers that indicate experience and skill, often used in organizations to define seniority. For a Senior Backend Developer, L3 or L4 typically signifies advanced expertise, with L4 representing the most senior or lead roles involving complex problem-solving and mentorship. These levels help structure career progression and expectations within development teams.

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

AspectSenior Backend DeveloperBackend Developer
Required Experience5+ years, leadership skills1-3 years, foundational skills
ResponsibilitiesDesign architecture, mentor juniors, optimize systemsImplement features, fix bugs, write code
Skills & CertificationsAdvanced coding, system design, relevant certificationsBasic coding, database knowledge
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with cross-functional teams, often in larger projectsFocuses on individual tasks within projects

The main difference between a Senior Backend Developer and a Backend Developer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Backend Developers typically have more years of experience, take on complex system design, and mentor junior staff, whereas Backend Developers focus on implementing features and fixing bugs. Both roles are essential in backend development teams, but the senior role involves more strategic and leadership duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Backend Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Backend Developer, you need advanced proficiency in server-side programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Node.js), deep understanding of API design, and experience with database management, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications in backend technologies are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior developers. These competencies ensure robust, scalable backend systems and drive successful project delivery in complex technical environments.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior backend developers with extensive experience, specialized skills in high-demand technologies, and work at large tech companies or in executive roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in competitive markets or leadership positions.

Will AI replace backend devs?

AI is unlikely to fully replace senior backend developers, as their expertise involves designing complex systems, problem-solving, and maintaining infrastructure that requires human judgment. AI tools can automate routine tasks and assist in coding, but human oversight remains essential for architecture, security, and optimization. Backend developers will continue to adapt by integrating AI and focusing on higher-level development skills.

What are common challenges Senior Backend Developers face when leading complex projects, and how can they address them?

Senior Backend Developers often encounter challenges such as integrating legacy systems with new technologies, ensuring scalability under increased load, and coordinating cross-functional teams for seamless feature delivery. Addressing these challenges typically involves proactive architectural planning, clear communication with frontend and DevOps teams, and adopting best practices like code reviews and automated testing. Staying updated on emerging technologies and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing within the team also help in overcoming technical obstacles and driving successful project outcomes.

Is L5 at Google Senior?

L5 at Google typically corresponds to a Senior Software Engineer level, which involves significant technical expertise, project ownership, and mentorship responsibilities. It is considered a senior-level position within Google's engineering hierarchy, often requiring several years of experience and proficiency in coding, system design, and problem-solving.
What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Developer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Backend Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Backend Developer jobs in Washington, DC? For Senior Backend Developer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Backend Developer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Backend Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Senior Backend Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Backend Developer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 70% In-person, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,381 per year, or $76.1 per hour.
Sr Backend Developer

Sr Backend Developer

BDR Solutions LLC

Herndon, VA • On-site, Remote

$123K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

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.

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