ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

System One

Senior Backend Developer

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$120K - $156K/yr

Senior Java Backend Developer Location: Vienna or Winchester, VA, San Diego, CA, or Pensacola, FL Work Schedule: hybrid, onsite 3 days a week Pay Rate: Open to Both C2C and W2 options Position Type:

Posted today

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 ...

System One

Senior Backend Developer

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$120K - $156K/yr

Senior Java Backend Developer Location: Vienna or Winchester, VA, San Diego, CA, or Pensacola, FL Work Schedule: hybrid, onsite 3 days a week Pay Rate: Open to Both C2C and W2 options Position Type:

New

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBackend Developer JobsSenior Backend Developer JobsSenior Backend Developer Jobs in Washington, DC

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 31, 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.

Senior Backend Developer

System One

Merrifield, VA • On-site

$120K - $156K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

Job Title: Senior Java Backend Developer Location: Vienna or Winchester, VA, San Diego, CA, or Pensacola, FL Work Schedule: hybrid, onsite 3 days a week Pay Rate: Open to Both C2C and W2 options Position Type: Multiyear Contract Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, ideally closer to 15 years with extensive Java backend development experience, Java 17+, Spring framework/Spring Boot, and Azure. This role is for a Senior Backend Developer responsible for building, modernizing, and supporting the backend services that power mobile and online banking applications. The position focuses on developing scalable, secure, cloud-native solutions using Java and Azure technologies while collaborating with product, architecture, QA, frontend, and platform teams. The developer will contribute to application modernization efforts, mentor junior engineers, support production systems, build CI/CD pipelines, and leverage AI-assisted development tools to improve engineering productivity and code quality. Overview The Senior Backend Developer is responsible for the design, development, modernization, and support of backend services that power our mobile banking and online banking channels. This role partners closely with product teams, architects, analysts, QA engineers, frontend developers, and platform teams to deliver scalable, secure, and resilient solutions. The ideal candidate is a strong Java engineer who brings technical leadership, cloud expertise, and a passion for continuous improvement. This individual will help drive application modernization, mentor team members, and leverage emerging technologies, including AI-assisted development tools, to improve engineering efficiency and delivery quality. Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, enhance, and maintain backend services and APIs.
  • Build scalable, secure, and resilient cloud-native applications.
  • Participate in architecture and design discussions and contribute to technical solutioning.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and deliver new features and capabilities.
  • Identify performance bottlenecks, troubleshoot issues, and implement effective solutions.
  • Conduct code reviews and champion engineering best practices, quality standards, and secure coding principles.
  • Support application modernization and technical debt reduction initiatives.
  • Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines and deployment automation using Azure DevOps.
  • Participate in production support, incident response, root cause analysis, and operational readiness activities.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
  • Evaluate and leverage AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity, code quality, testing, and delivery speed.
  • Help maintain code quality, organization, documentation, and automation standards.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Strong experience developing applications using Java 17 or higher.
  • Experience with Spring Framework and Spring Boot.
  • Experience designing and developing RESTful APIs and microservices architectures.
  • Strong understanding of web applications, web services, and distributed systems.
  • Experience with cloud platforms, preferably Microsoft Azure.
  • Experience with Azure services such as App Services, Azure SQL, Service Bus, API Management, Application Insights, or similar cloud-native services.
  • Experience with Git-based source control, Azure DevOps Repos, pull requests, and branching strategies.
  • Experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps.
  • Strong understanding of databases, SQL, and application data integration patterns.
  • Experience troubleshooting complex, interconnected systems and applications.
  • Understanding of application scalability, resilience, observability, and performance optimization.
  • Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.
  • Familiarity with AI-powered development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, AI-assisted code generation, testing, analysis, and debugging) to improve developer productivity and code quality.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to changing business needs.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Docker and Kubernetes (AKS preferred).
  • Experience with event-driven architectures and messaging platforms.
  • Experience working in the banking or financial services industry.
  • Knowledge of secure software development practices and regulatory considerations in financial systems.
  • Awareness of sustainable coding practices and energy-efficient system design.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

#M- #LI-

Ref: #851-Rockville-S1