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

... Senior Software Engineer to lead the technical direction of our AI Agent initiatives ... This is a backend engineering role first, focused on building scalable, reliable systems that ...

Job Title: Sr Full stack Developer (Nodejs, Python, React /Vue.JS, AWS) Location: Richmond, VA ... backend) Python & Django exp is required DynamoDB/Aurora exp is a must AWS & GCP exp is a must ...

Senior Software Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$165K - $190K/yr

As a Senior Software Architect, you'll define and evolve the architecture for our Self-Service ... Integrate backend Python services with Go microservices and React/TypeScript frontends, ensuring ...

Senior Python Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$124K - $167K/yr

Senior Python Developer Location: 6 Months Duration: Mclean, VA 22102 Fully Onsite: M-F Must Have ... Core Technical Skills (Python & Backend) * Strong professional experience with Python (backend ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Backend Python information

See Washington, DC salary details

$18.1K

$167.9K

$216.3K

How much do senior backend python jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend python in Washington, DC is $167,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $164,800.00 and $189,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Backend Python Developer, you need expertise in Python programming, strong knowledge of backend frameworks (such as Django or Flask), and experience with database management, often backed by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, containerization tools like Docker, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS), and possibly certifications in cloud or Python technologies are common requirements. Outstanding problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to mentor junior developers help set top performers apart. These competencies ensure the development of robust, scalable, and maintainable backend systems that support business objectives.

What is the difference between Senior Backend Python vs Backend Developer?

AspectSenior Backend PythonBackend Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related, 5+ years experience, Python expertiseBachelor's in CS or related, 2-4 years experience, Python knowledge
Work EnvironmentTech companies, startups, enterprise systemsTech firms, startups, software agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries requiring scalable backend solutionsCommon in web development and software services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior roles, responsibilities, salaryEntry to mid-level backend roles, skill requirements

Senior Backend Python professionals typically have more experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities compared to Backend Developers. They often work on complex systems, mentor junior staff, and have a broader understanding of architecture. Backend Developers focus on building and maintaining backend services with less emphasis on leadership or strategic planning.

What are some common challenges Senior Backend Python developers face when working on large-scale systems?

Senior Backend Python developers working on large-scale systems often encounter challenges such as ensuring application scalability, maintaining code quality across distributed teams, and optimizing performance for high traffic. Balancing the integration of new features with legacy system constraints can also be demanding. Effective communication and collaboration with frontend teams, DevOps, and product managers are crucial for delivering reliable and maintainable backend solutions.

What does a Senior Backend Python Developer do?

A Senior Backend Python Developer designs, builds, and maintains the server-side logic of web applications using Python. They are responsible for creating robust APIs, optimizing databases, ensuring application security, and integrating third-party services. In addition, they often mentor junior developers, contribute to architectural decisions, and collaborate closely with frontend and DevOps teams. Their work ensures that applications are scalable, reliable, and efficient. Senior developers typically have several years of experience and deep knowledge of Python frameworks like Django or Flask.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Backend Python jobs in Washington, DC? For Senior Backend Python jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Backend Developer, Data Platform

Maxar by Vantor

Reston, VA • On-site

$137K - $182K/yr

Other

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Senior Backend Developer/Engineer

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters—where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen. This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance, applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. Employment for cleared roles is contingent upon verification of clearance status.

This position requires an active U.S. Government Security Clearance at the TS/SCI level with CI polygraph.

We are a sleek and modern software development team building mission-critical applications with real-world impact for the Intelligence Community.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Backend Developer/Engineer to join our hybrid agile team and help build and scale our data platform and pipelines to support Intelligence Community AI efforts.

Responsibilities:
  • Design, build, and own backend services and platform components for a modern data architecture and pipelines.
  • Make high-impact technical decisions around architecture, data modeling and system integration
  • Build integrations with internal and external data sources, APIs, and event streams
  • Partner with data engineering, analytics, and product managers to define scalable data models and platform capabilities
  • Improve reliability, observability, and performance of data workflows and backend services
  • Implement best practices for testing, monitoring, logging, and deployment
  • Contribute to architecture decisions around storage, orchestration, metadata management, and access patterns
  • Help establish engineering standards for code quality, documentation, CI/CD, and operational excellence
  • Troubleshoot and debug production systems
  • This is a hybrid role that will require a mix of work from home and onsite work at the customer's office in Reston, VA.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • 10 + years of professional software engineering experience, with strong backend development skills
  • Strong proficiency in Python
  • Experience building backend systems, APIs, or distributed services in production environments
  • PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch proficiency
  • Familiarity with AWS, especially S3, RDS, and other data centric services
  • Current/active TS/SCI with a current CI polygraph or be willing and able to obtain a CI polygraph.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field, e.g. Computer Science, Systems Engineering or equivalent experience
  • Understanding of software engineering fundamentals including testing, version control, CI/CD, and system design
  • Tenacious troubleshooting, problem solving and error fixing mentality
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, ability to work, collaborate and thrive on a small technical team.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with data platforms, data pipelines, ETL/ELT workflows, or large-scale data processing systems
  • Gitlab and Gitlab CI experience
  • Openshift and Helm experience
  • Docker and containerization experience
  • DoD 8570 IAT II and Privileged User Access requirements met (Security+, CySA+, CCNA Security, GICSP, GSEC, SSCP)

Pay Transparency: To support pay transparency, Vantor includes salary ranges in all U.S. job postings. Starting pay for this role will fall within the listed range and will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role should not expect to receive compensation at the top of the range. The listed range reflects the expected pay for this position, and final offers will be determined based on each candidate's experience, expertise, and alignment with the role.

The base pay for this position within the Washington, DC metropolitan area is: $137,000.00 - $182,000.00 - $200,200.00 annually.

For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.

Benefits: Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life.

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.

The date of posting can be found on Vantor's Career page at the top of each job posting.

To apply, submit your application via Vantor's Career page.

EEO Policy: Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.