Senior Backend Software Engineer

Senior Backend Software Engineer Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland; Alexandria, VA; Chantilly, VA; Aurora, CO; St. Louis, MO; Tucson, AZ Clearance: Top Secret/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph Schedule: Full Time Travel: No Remote: No Remote Company Overview We are Ennoble First. The people supporting and securing some of the most complex government, defense, and intelligence projects across the country. We ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work has meaning and impact on the world around us, but also on us, and that's important. Ennoble First is your place. You make it your own by embracing autonomy, seizing opportunity, and being trusted to deliver your best every day. We think. We act. We deliver. Program Overview This position supports a newly awarded five-year effort delivering modern, mission-critical software capabilities to a national security customer. The program leverages Agile development, DevSecOps practices, and cloud-native technologies to build and enhance scalable enterprise solutions supporting critical mission operations. Engineers on this effort will work with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and deploy impactful capabilities while helping shape the architecture and technical direction of a long-term, high-visibility program. Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Backend Software Engineer to support the development of scalable backend services for a high-visibility application used across the organization for data analysis, reporting, and operational decision-making. This role focuses on designing and building backend systems, developing RESTful APIs, integrating data sources, and ensuring system performance and reliability within a Linux-based environment. The ideal candidate has strong backend development experience, a solid foundation in object-oriented programming, and the ability to work independently on complex technical challenges. This individual will contribute to system design, support mission-critical functionality, and help drive delivery of reliable, high-performing applications. Primary 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 Required Qualifications • 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 Desired Qualifications • 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 Pay Range $130,000–$160,000 The Ennoble First pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law. E-Verify This employer participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Equal Employment Opportunity Ennoble First is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Ennoble First is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Ennoble First participates in E-Verify. The information below will be listed on our website's careers landing page. Ennoble First, Inc.