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Senior Backend Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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.

nitra

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

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 ...

SmartIPlace

Backend Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Washington, DC Requirement The Senior Backend Software Engineer will be responsible for the analysis, design, and development of mission-critical, cloud-native enterprise services for a leading ...

Arbor

Senior/Staff Back-end Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

The Opportunity We're looking for a backend-focused engineer to join our lean, high-leverage engineering team building the infrastructure that powers our energy marketplace. You'll work across our ...

campus4tech

Backend Java Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$50.75 - $65.75/hr

Job Title: Back-End Java Engineer (Mid-to-Senior Level) Location: Vienna, VA 22180 Job Mode: Hybrid (Work from office 3-4 days per week) Must have: Java + Spring / Spring Boot Azure DevOps ...

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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.

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Ennoble First Inc.

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Ennoble First is a company supporting and securing complex government, defense, and intelligence projects. They are seeking a Senior Backend Software Engineer to develop scalable backend services for a high-visibility application used for data analysis and operational decision-making.
Responsibilities:
• Backend Development: Design, develop, test, and maintain backend services using Java or Python
• REST API Development: Design and implement RESTful services to support application functionality and integrations
• Object-Oriented Design: Apply strong object-oriented design principles to build scalable and maintainable systems
• Database Development: Write and optimize SQL queries to support application functionality and performance
• Data Source Integration Coordination: Coordinate with external teams to understand data sources, interfaces, and access patterns, and translate requirements into backend integrations
• System Design Contribution: Participate in technical design discussions and contribute to backend architecture decisions
• Linux Environments: Develop, deploy, and troubleshoot applications within Linux-based environments
• System Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues across application and database layers
• Code Quality & Best Practices: Participate in code reviews and ensure adherence to engineering standards
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field with 8–12 years of experience; or a Master's degree with 6–10 years of experience
• Active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph
• Strong professional experience developing backend applications in Java or Python
• Proven ability to design and develop RESTful APIs that support scalable application functionality
• Solid SQL experience, including writing and optimizing queries across relational databases
• Confident working in Linux-based environments
• Ability to work independently and drive solutions to moderately complex and complex technical challenges
Preferred:
• Experience with Apache Airflow or similar workflow orchestration technologies
• Experience with geospatial data and querying (e.g., PostGIS)
• Experience with Spring Boot, Django, or similar backend frameworks
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines (GitLab, Jenkins, etc.)
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker, OpenShift, Kubernetes)
• Exposure to cloud environments (AWS or Azure)
• Experience working in Agile development environments
Company:
Cutting-Edge Engineering Firm delivering an AI and Data Centric Solutions Model that automates the mundane to better utilize human decision making for mission critical actions. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Columbia, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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