Backend Developer

shine systems; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

shine systems is seeking a Senior Backend Developer to design, build, and maintain robust backend services and APIs using Python, PostgreSQL, and containerized deployments. You will work closely with customers and product owners to translate requirements into reliable, scalable software, leveraging Docker, Kubernetes, and OpenShift.

The role emphasizes data modeling, performance optimization, and secure, maintainable code, with opportunities to mentor teammates and contribute to design reviews

Qualifications

• 9+ years of software/systems engineering experience or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree may be substituted for 4 years of experience; Master's for 6 years.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain backend functionality with Python, Docker, Kubernetes, OpenSearch, and PostgreSQL.
• Develop REST APIs with validation, error handling, and auth integration.
• Use Pydantic for data validation and SQLAlchemy for DB access/ORM.

Skills

Python

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

SQLAlchemy

OpenSearch

REST APIs

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

OpenShift

Job description

As a Senior Backend Developer you will be supporting an IC Customer working on mission driven applications. Candidates in this role will:

• Design, develop, and maintain backend functionality within applications using Python, Docker, Kubernetes, Opensearch and PostgreSQL.
• Develop and maintain backend services and REST APIs, including request validation, error handling, and authentication and authorization integration.
• Use Pydantic for data validation and SQLAlchemy for database access and object-relational mapping in Python services.
• Design and maintain PostgreSQL schemas, queries, indexes, and database migrations, with attention to performance and data integrity.
• Build and maintain Docker images and deploy, configure, and troubleshoot applications in OpenShift.
• Investigate and resolve production issues across the user interface, backend services, database, and application deployment.
• Work with customers, product owners, and other stakeholders to clarify requirements, identify dependencies, and estimate implementation effort.
• Participate in technical design and code reviews, write automated tests, and maintain technical documentation.
• Mentor developers and collaborate with operations and security teams to support reliable application delivery.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• 9 Years of experience in Software or Systems Engineering roles or a highly related field of work with similar scope and responsibilities.
• A Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for 4 years of experience and a Master’s Degree may be substituted for 6 years of experience.

Required Qualifications:

• TS/SCI Clearance with Active CI Polygraph
• Strong experience developing backend services and REST APIs
• Experience developing and maintaining backend applications and services using Python.
• Proficiency with PostgreSQL, including relational data modeling, SQL, schema migrations, indexing, and query optimization.
  
• Understanding of OpenSeach data structures, indexing and querying.
• Hands-on experience with Docker, including writing Dockerfiles, building images, and troubleshooting containers.
  
• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate business and customer needs into clear technical requirements

Desired Qualifications:

• Deep expertise of Python and API design
• Familiarity with Software development within the Department of War.
• Familiarity with Linux environments and Kubernetes concepts.
  
• Experience configuring CI/CD pipelines and automating application deployments.
  
• Experience improving application security, accessibility, performance, and reliability.
  
• Experience working in an Agile development environment and coordinating with product, operations, and security teams.

Work Location:

Annapolis Junction, MD; Washington, DC; or Reston, VA