Backend Engineer

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA, Inc.); Rockville (MD); Remote; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Part time

Job summary

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer for a CONTRACT assignment. The role is fully remote and centers on building backend systems for a platform that analyzes U.S. market integrity and processes billions of daily events in the cloud.

You will lead with strong code, work with Hadoop/Spark/Presto on AWS, and apply AI tools across the full software lifecycle to drive innovation and performance. A collaborative, high‑impact environment awaits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience with leadership.
• 3+ years of hands-on development in Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, or SQL.
• 2+ years building REST/web services and writing complex SQL.
• Proficiency with DevOps and CI/CD practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and support distributed microservices and big data pipelines.
• Build high-performance API platforms on AWS and optimize at scale.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet business objectives.
• Leverage AI tools across the full SDLC to improve quality and speed.

Skills

Big data tech

AWS EMR

Java

JavaScript/TypeScript

SQL

REST APIs

DevOps CI/CD

Unix Shell

Python

LLM tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Hive/Presto

Spark

Hadoop

Jenkins

CloudFormation

Kiro / Copilot-like tools

AWS (EMR, EC2, S3, Lambda, ECS)

Job description

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Backend Engineer for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Regulatory clients. This position is fully remote. You will build backend systems for a platform that helps financial analysts monitor U.S. market integrity. The role involves creating user-friendly tools powered by one of the largest financial regulatory datasets in the cloud, processing billions of daily market events. This is a greenfield architecture opportunity with strong work-life balance. As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will lead through excellent code, solve complex problems, set ambitious standards, and drive innovation. The role requires technical excellence with effective communication, stakeholder influence, and genuine passion for the mission.

Responsibilities

Big Data Engineering & Performance (Core Focus)

• Design, develop, test, implement, and support technical solutions within an Agile development environment, utilizing distributed microservices architecture and big data technologies (Hive, Presto, Spark, Hadoop), and full stack systems.
• Build and maintain high-performance API platforms on AWS infrastructure, enabling interactive-speed access to big data while adhering to AWS Well-Architected Framework principles.

Solution Design & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with cross-functional teams to understand application requirements and test scenarios, delivering scalable technical solutions that meet business objectives.

AI-Assisted Development (Full SDLC)

• Leverage AI tools and technologies (such as Kiro or similar) to enhance development efficiency, code quality, and solution innovation throughout the full software development lifecycle — from design and architecture through testing, deployment, and production support.
• Drive technical innovation by staying current with emerging technology trends, including AI/ML advancements, evaluating new tools and frameworks, and actively contributing to internal and external technology communities.

Ownership & Technical Leadership

• Demonstrate a growth mindset, take ownership of deliverables, maintain customer-centric focus, and exercise sound technical judgment in decision‑making.

Required Skills

• 3+ years working with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, or Presto, with deep understanding of internals, performance tuning, and optimization.
• Proven experience with AWS services including EMR (Hive/Presto), ECS, Lambda, and S3, including diagnosing and resolving performance bottlenecks at scale.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related technical field
• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• 3+ years of hands‑on development experience in Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, or SQL
• 2+ years developing REST/web services and writing complex SQL queries for relational databases.
• Proficiency with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins and CloudFormation
• Working knowledge of scripting languages including Unix Shell or Python
• Hands‑on experience using LLM‑based coding tools (such as Kiro, GitHub Copilot, or similar) across the full development lifecycle — from design and development to testing and deployment — with a disciplined approach to validating output: you do not merge what you can't explain.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women‑owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at https://sgainc.com/.

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company EEO page to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.