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

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 ...

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 ...

Pansophic Learning

Senior Backend Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

The Senior Backend Engineer designs, builds, and maintains scalable backend systems and services that power learning solutions for Pansophic Learning. This role is primarily responsible for backend ...

Urban Legend

Senior Backend Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to help build and scale the backend powering their mobile app and web platform, while collaborating closely with engineering leadership on architecture and ...

Data Society

Sr. Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

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 ...

Quidient

Senior Backend Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Overview Quidient is hiring a Senior Backend Software Engineer to own the backend systems and cloud infrastructure that power our GSR Platform. You will take full ownership of the API layer, cloud ...

Quidient

Senior Backend Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Overview Quidient is hiring a Senior Backend Software Engineer to own the backend systems and cloud infrastructure that power our GSR Platform. You will take full ownership of the API layer, cloud ...

Quid, Inc.

Senior Backend Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Overview Quidient is hiring a Senior Backend Software Engineer to own the backend systems and cloud infrastructure that power our GSR Platform. You will take full ownership of the API layer, cloud ...

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

Senior Backend Developer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$72.3K

$157.9K

$215.1K

How much do senior backend developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend developer in Washington, DC is $157,907.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,100.00 and $176,700.00 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 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 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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,907 per year, or $75.9 per hour.

Senior Backend Engineer

Urban Legend

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 22 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

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