Senior Software Engineer - Backend

Senior Software Engineer – BackendArlington, VAWe are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our backend team and play a critical role in building the platform that will define CaseGuard's next chapter.You will design and build the REST API microservices and cloud infrastructure that power our application, real-time collaboration features, and large-scale processing workers.This role is expected to operate with a high degree of ownership. You will take responsibility for backend domains or major features and drive them end-to-end from design through production with minimal oversight.Beyond writing excellent code, you will contribute to engineering standards, influence system design, and help scale both the system and the team.What You Will DoDesign and build scalable, secure REST APIs and microservices using ASP.NET Core (C#)Build and maintain backend workers for large-scale file processing - ingesting, analyzing, redacting, and exporting documents using ML modelsTake ownership of backend domains or major features and drive them end-to-end from design through productionOwn database design, schema decisions, and query optimization for production systemsDesign and deploy AWS cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as AWS CDKSupport real-time collaboration features for concurrent multi-user workflowsIdentify and resolve performance bottlenecks to ensure reliability and scalability under loadChampion security and compliance best practices across backend systems and APIsWork closely with frontend engineers to design and deliver end-to-end features - defining API contracts, aligning on data flows, and ensuring correct system behavior across client and backendOwnership & ExecutionBreak down complex, ambiguous problems into well-defined tasks and execution plansTake ownership of ambiguous problem spaces and turn them into clear, executable designs and deliverablesOperate with minimal guidance on implementation details while aligning with the overall architectureDrive execution across engineers when required - breaking down work, aligning implementation, and ensuring delivery outcomesMake independent technical decisions within your domain, escalating only when cross-system tradeoffs are involvedDrive backend decisions in cross-functional work, ensuring system design is robust, scalable, and not constrained by client-side limitationsBe accountable for the reliability, performance, and scalability of the systems you build in productionTeam ContributionConduct thorough code reviews and uphold engineering standardsParticipate in architectural discussions and contribute to system design decisionsMentor junior engineers and support their technical growthContribute to hiring by reviewing technical assessments and interviewing candidatesQualifications (Required)6+ years of experience owning and delivering complex backend systems or features end-to-endStrong proficiency in C# and ASP.NET Core for REST API and microservices developmentSolid experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases and performance optimizationHands-on experience with AWS services (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, DynamoDB)Experience building scalable, production-grade systems with clear reliability and performance considerationsStrong understanding of asynchronous processing, concurrency, and distributed system fundamentalsSecurity-aware mindset with experience handling sensitive or compliance-regulated dataStrong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across a hybrid teamQualifications (Preferred)Experience building large-scale file or document processing pipelinesExperience with event-driven architectures and message queues (e.g., SQS, SNS, EventBridge)Familiarity with ML model integration or AI-powered backend systemsExperience with real-time systems (e.g., WebSockets, SignalR)Practical knowledge of IaC tools such as AWS CDK, Terraform, or CloudFormationExperience with containerization (Docker) and orchestration platforms (Kubernetes)Relevant AWS certificationsWhat We Offer:Meaningful equity - we believe in sharing ownership with the people who build the companyCompetitive base salary alongside an equity-heavy compensation packageHybrid working - flexibility to work remotely with regular in-person collaborationDirect influence over architecture, engineering culture, and the technical roadmapOpportunity to take ownership of critical backend domains in a growing cloud platformA small, high-trust team that moves fast, values craftsmanship, and ships quality softwareMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance401KPaid VacationTen paid holidays per yearFriendly and Learning environmentSalary + Equity Range: $120,000 to $200,000About CaseGuardCaseGuard is a software company that helps law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, hospitals, schools, airports, and others manage all their media redaction needs in one easy-to-use redaction software. CaseGuard Studio is one of a kind. Our team is driven by a passion for great software design, creating great products, and creative processes; CaseGuard implements innovative ideas across multiple services and agencies. We invest in people. We nurture skills consistent with our values and our future strategy. Our passionate pursuit of excellence, the application of our creativity to solve our clients' challenges, our technical expertise, and our collaborative spirit are measures of our success.