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Senior Backend Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Urban Legend

Senior Backend Engineer

Alexandria, VA

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 ...

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 help build and scale the backend powering our mobile app, web platform, internal tools, payments ...

Antithesis

Senior Backend Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to design and operate core platform systems, ensuring performance and correctness across the stack while mentoring other engineers. Responsibilities : • ...

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 ...

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 ... software engineer or equivalent practical experience * Hands-on experience developing backend ...

Chenega Corporation

Senior Backend Developer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$120K - $157K/yr

Summary Senior Backend Developer Vienna, VA Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your ... software engineer or equivalent practical experience * Hands-on experience developing backend ...

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 ... engineer or equivalent practical experience • Hands-on experience developing backend services ...

Twenty

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Senior Backend Software Engineer will build backend systems that support cyber capabilities, working on high-performance APIs and complex data modeling to improve operational effectiveness.

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Senior Backend Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$19K

$141.4K

$198.1K

How much do senior backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend engineer in Virginia is $141,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,200.00 and $166,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Backend Engineer, you need advanced proficiency in server-side programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Node.js), database management, and experience with scalable system architecture, typically supported by a relevant degree and several years of professional experience. Familiarity with frameworks, APIs, containerization tools (like Docker and Kubernetes), and cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure) is essential, along with knowledge of version control systems like Git. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and mentorship skills help you collaborate across teams and guide junior developers. These skills ensure the delivery of robust, efficient, and maintainable backend systems that support business objectives and seamless user experiences.

What are some common challenges Senior Backend Engineers face when scaling backend systems, and how are they typically addressed?

Senior Backend Engineers often encounter challenges related to system scalability, such as database bottlenecks, latency issues, and maintaining system reliability under increased load. Addressing these challenges typically involves optimizing database queries, implementing caching strategies, and designing microservices architectures to distribute workloads efficiently. Collaboration with DevOps and frontend teams is also crucial to ensure seamless integration and monitoring. Proactively identifying potential scalability issues and participating in code reviews are key responsibilities in this role.

How much does a senior backend engineer make?

A senior backend engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can increase with expertise in specific programming languages, cloud platforms, and system architecture.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior backend engineers at large tech companies or highly specialized roles in finance and cloud computing can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills in programming, system architecture, and often working in high-demand environments with competitive compensation packages.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Senior backend engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in cloud computing, and working at large tech companies or in high-cost-of-living areas can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership roles, and often working in competitive markets or companies with generous compensation packages.

What are Senior Backend Engineers?

Senior Backend Engineers are experienced software professionals responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the server-side components of web applications or systems. They work with databases, APIs, and application logic to ensure robust, scalable, and efficient backend operations. Their role often involves collaborating with frontend engineers, managing system architecture, reviewing code, and mentoring junior developers. Senior Backend Engineers also play a key role in optimizing performance, ensuring security, and integrating new technologies into existing systems.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior backend engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in cloud computing, distributed systems, and high-performance databases can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in competitive tech markets. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large technology companies or startups with significant funding.
What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Backend Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Backend Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Backend Engineer job openings:
Senior Backend Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Backend Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,438 per year, or $68 per hour.
Senior Backend Engineer

Senior Backend Engineer

Urban Legend

Alexandria, VA

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 15 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