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Senior Backend Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Data Society

Sr. Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

About the Role The onshore Senior Back-End Engineer leads backend microservices architecture and build quality for the platform, directing a pod of offshore back-end engineers while remaining hands ...

Data Society

Sr. Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

About the Role The onshore Senior Back-End Engineer leads backend microservices architecture and build quality for the platform, directing a pod of offshore back-end engineers while remaining hands ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 : • ...

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 build quality for the platform, directing a pod of offshore back-end engineers while remaining ...

The Nuclear Company

Senior Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$121K - $165K/yr

About the role The Nuclear Company is hiring a Backend Engineer to build the server-side systems behind NOS modules and applications. You will report to the Director of Product Engineering and work ...

nitra

Senior Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

... senior staffers, and a co-founder of CityMD. Nitra maintains a hybrid work policy, with team ... A Backend Engineer with experience in Fintech or marketplaces who will be at the forefront of our ...

nitra

Senior Backend Engineer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

... senior staffers, and a co-founder of CityMD. Nitra maintains a hybrid work policy, with team ... A Backend Engineer with experience in Fintech or marketplaces who will be at the forefront of our ...

Twenty

Senior Backend Engineer

Washington, DC

Role Summary You'll build the backend systems that power Twenty's cyber and electromagnetic ... Collaborate with frontend engineers on API contracts and data structures that are efficient and ...

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Senior Backend Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$21.6K

$160.7K

$225K

How much do senior backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend engineer in Washington is $160,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,500.00 and $188,500.00 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.

What does a senior backend engineer do?

A senior backend engineer designs, develops, and maintains server-side applications and systems that support web and mobile platforms. They often work with programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, and use databases, APIs, and cloud services to ensure scalable and efficient backend operations. Additionally, they review code, mentor junior developers, and ensure system security and performance standards are met.

What is a senior backend engineer?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Backend Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Backend Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Backend Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Senior Backend Engineer job openings:
Senior Backend Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Backend Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,663 per year, or $77.2 per hour.

Sr. Backend Engineer

Data Society

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About Data Society Group
At Data Society Group, we provide the highest quality, leading-edge, industry-tailored data and AI training and solutions for Fortune 1,000 companies and federal, state, and local governmental organizations. We partner with our clients to educate, equip, and empower their workforces with the skills they need to achieve their goals and expand their impact. Our portfolio of brands and services sits at the intersection of people, data, and AI and consists of:
  • CDO Magazine, the trusted voice of global data and AI leadership
  • The Data Lodge, a pioneer in data literacy and cultural transformation
  • Data Society, delivering applied AI education and custom-built solutions
  • InspiredMinds!, a convening force behind the world's most inclusive AI community

We are working to empower the workforces of the future; if you're as passionate about transforming workplaces with the power of Data & AI as we are, we'd love to hear from you!
About the Role
The onshore Senior Back-End Engineer leads backend microservices architecture and build quality for the platform, directing a pod of offshore back-end engineers while remaining hands-on in service design, API contract ownership, and CI/CD pipeline governance. In this role, you will serve as the technical authority on all backend decisions, from Azure SQL cache schema design through write-path logic, Azure Service Bus patterns, and security compliance. You will work closely with the onshore Solution Architect, Integration Lead, and Sr. Front-End Engineer to ensure the backend layer is production-ready and validated every sprint.
While the center of gravity for this role is backend, we are looking for a full-stack engineer who is comfortable working across the stack - from API and data layer design through the React/typescript frontend that consumes them.
This role is work-from-home (remote) though must be able to commute to client offices in Falls Church, VA as needed (estimated every 2 weeks). This is a full-time W2 employment position with benefits. Please note that this role is tied to a client contract and is structured as an initial 9-month position. Opportunities for extension or long-term placement are highly likely based on client renewal and project performance.
Responsibilities
As the Senior Back-End Engineer, you will set architectural standards, oversee service layer quality, and guide offshore engineering efforts. Your core responsibilities include:
  • Architecture & Leadership: Lead .backend microservices architecture, defining service boundaries, API contract standards, and write-path design patterns across all functional areas. Direct and oversee a pod of offshore back-end engineers by assigning work, conducting code reviews, and ensuring production-ready output.
  • Database & API Layer Design: Design and own the Azure SQL transactional cache schema. Design and implement REST API endpoints exposed through Azure API Management (APIM), consumed by the React frontend.
  • Integration & Business Logic: Implement write-path logic that routes commit actions (budget approvals, PO releases, change orders) through Azure Service Bus to OIC flows and back to the ERP. Enforce business logic, data validation, and error handling standards within the service layer.
  • Pipeline Compliance & Security: Own CI/CD pipeline compliance for backend code, ensuring all commits pass Veracode SAST + SCA security scanning before merging.
  • Demos & Client Handoff: Lead bi-weekly sprint demos for backend workstreams, ensuring all service layer work is demo-ready on schedule. Resolve and triage backend defects during SIT, UAT, and post-launch hypercare within agreed SLA windows. Conduct knowledge transfer to the client team ahead of the support handoff.

Required Skills & Experience
  • 6-8 years of back-end development experience, with a strong proficiency in Python and TypeScript/Node.js.
  • Fullstack engineer with a backend bent - able to contribute to a React/Typescript frontend when needed.
  • Demonstrable experience leading or directing offshore back-end engineering teams.
  • Strong experience designing and building REST APIs exposed through an API gateway (Azure APIM preferred).
  • Proficiency with Azure SQL, schema design, query optimization, and working with a delta-refreshed transactional cache pattern.
  • Experience with Azure Service Bus or similar async messaging infrastructure, including retry logic, dead-letter handling, and error queues.
  • Solid understanding of microservices architecture and separation of concerns between API gateway, service layer, and data layer.
  • Proficiency with Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines and security-gated build processes (Veracode or similar SAST tools).
  • Experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor) for pair programming, service design, architecture documentation, and code review (AI-assisted development is standard practice on this engagement).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to lead sprint demos, run code reviews with offshore teams, and communicate technical decisions to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience building enterprise financial or ERP applications.
  • Experience integrating with Oracle Fusion Cloud or similar ERP platforms via REST/SOAP APIs.
  • Familiarity with event-driven architecture patterns: Service Bus, event triggers, idempotency, retry/dead-letter handling.
  • Azure-certified or demonstrable hands-on Azure cloud experience (AZ-204 Developer or AZ-305 Solutions Architect preferred).

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