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Staff Backend Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

MOLG Inc.

Backend Software Engineer

Sterling, VA

$100/hr

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Design, develop, and maintain scalable and ... Optimize system performance and ensure high reliability and availability of backend services.

Incatech Corp

Backend Software Developer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

... as a backend software engineer or equivalent practical experience * Experience designing and ... Our culture is based on empowering our staff and customers with knowledge and tools to achieve ...

VTG

Back-End Software Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

As a Back-End Software Developer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality software applications. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsStaff Backend Software Engineer JobsStaff Backend Software Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Staff Backend Software Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$68.5K

$167.2K

$225.4K

How much do staff backend software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff backend software engineer in Washington, DC is $167,241.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,400.00 and $194,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a staff backend software engineer?

Staff Backend Software Engineers are senior-level engineers who design, build, and maintain the server-side infrastructure of applications. They are responsible for ensuring systems are scalable, reliable, and performant, often acting as technical leaders within their teams. In addition to coding, they mentor other engineers, make architectural decisions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects. Their expertise is critical in shaping the technical strategy and long-term vision of backend systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a staff backend software engineer?

To thrive as a Staff Backend Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in server-side programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Go), system architecture, and scalable API design, typically with a computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with databases (SQL/NoSQL), cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure), CI/CD tools, and often advanced knowledge of containerization or microservices are essential. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication skills help you drive technical direction and mentor junior engineers. These skills are crucial for building robust backend systems, ensuring team alignment, and delivering reliable, high-performance products.

How does a staff backend software engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on large-scale projects?

As a Staff Backend Software Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with product managers, frontend engineers, DevOps, and QA teams to define technical requirements and align backend solutions with overall business goals. You’ll often lead technical discussions, provide architectural guidance, and mentor other engineers, ensuring that backend systems integrate smoothly with other components. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders, fostering effective teamwork and project success.

What is the difference between Staff Backend Software Engineer vs Backend Software Engineer?

AspectStaff Backend Software EngineerBackend Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in CS or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's in CS or related field; 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentSenior-level projects, system architecture, mentorshipDevelopment, coding, feature implementation
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, startups, large enterprisesSame as Staff, common in tech industry
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding seniority, responsibilities, career pathEntry to mid-level development roles

The main difference between a Staff Backend Software Engineer and a Backend Software Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and scope. Staff Engineers typically handle complex system design, mentorship, and strategic planning, while Backend Engineers focus on coding, feature development, and smaller project components. Both roles are common in tech companies, but Staff Engineers are more senior and involved in architecture and leadership.

What are popular job titles related to Staff Backend Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Staff Backend Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Staff Backend Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Staff Backend Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Staff Backend Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Staff Backend Software Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $167,241 per year, or $80.4 per hour.

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

teKnoluxion

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer
Gaithersburg, MD

Active TS clearance (SCI eligibility) and eligibility to obtain a CI poly required

At Bcore, our strength comes from how we deliver impact to the mission. Whether it’s architecting critical IT solutions, producing actionable intelligence, or developing cutting edge technology, we succeed because of the expertise, collaboration, and agility of our teams. Our Mission Services division combines enterprise IT, cloud solutions, DevSecOps, systems engineering, software development, and operational support. Bcore accelerates decisive advantage for warfighters and intelligence professionals by fusing human insight, rapid-fire engineering, precision-measured outcomes, and relentless grit into mission-ready solutions. 

Do you want to join a team that is building tailored technical solutions to modernize our government’s mission and our client’s business?  Do you have a desire to change how people work?  Are you interested in helping to protect our nation’s cyber interests? Join our growing team supporting the NGA customer's mission as a Backend Software Engineer.


What you get to do every day:
  • Backend Development: Design, develop, test, and maintain backend application components using Java or Python
  • REST API Development: Develop and maintain RESTful services to support application functionality and system integrations
  • Object-Oriented Programming: Apply object-oriented design principles to build scalable and maintainable systems
  • Database Development: Write and modify SQL queries to support application functionality and data retrieval
  • Data Source Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external teams to understand data sources, formats, and access methods, and support integration into backend systems
  • Linux Environments: Develop and troubleshoot applications within Linux-based environments
  • Data Processing & Business Logic: Implement backend logic for data transformation, processing, and system workflows
  • Bug Fixing & Enhancements: Identify, debug, and resolve application-level defects and performance issues
  • Code Quality: Follow coding standards, participate in code reviews, and support documentation efforts

Clearance Required: Active TS clearance (with SCI eligibility) and eligibility to obtain CI poly

Education/Experience:

  • Requires bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
  • 4-8 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 2-6 with a master's degree 
Required Skills:
  • Professional experience developing objectoriented applications in Java or Python
  • Handson experience building and maintaining RESTful APIs
  • Basic to moderate experience with SQL capability, including writing queries and working with relational databases
  • Working knowledge of Linuxbased environments
  • Ability to work independently on defined tasks within established technical frameworks and deliver reliable results

What is ideal?

  • Experience with Apache Airflow or similar workflow orchestration technologies
  • Experience with Spring Boot, Django, or similar backend frameworks
  • Exposure to CI/CD pipelines (GitLab, Jenkins, etc.)
  • Familiarity with containerization (Docker, OpenShift)
  • Exposure to cloud environments (AWS or Azure)
  • Experience working in Agile development environments
  • Intelligence Community Experience preferred

  • Recognizing great achievements do not go unnoticed by bcore through service anniversaries, spot awards, and employee referral bonuses
  • You’ll join a growing organization of passionate, top-shelf, IT engineering professionals with extensive experience in actively developing the technology revolution in the Intelligence community
  • The expected salary range within the Washington, DC metropolitan area is: $87,000 - $157,450. Final compensation is unique to each individual and will be determined based on factors such as experience, education, geographic location, and contractual requirements. This is not a guarantee.
  • Benefits include Health/Dental/Vision, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, STD/LTD/Life Insurance/Voluntary Life Insurance, Stipends, Referral Bonuses, and more.
BCore is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

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