Backend Engineer (CLEARED)

Piper Companies; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid work flexibility

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Backend Engineer to design, build, and maintain backend services and APIs in a production environment. You will work with Python, AWS services, and cloud-native architectures to support mission-critical federal operations.

The role requires a U.S. security clearance (ACTIVE SECRET or higher may be needed) and a hybrid work model across locations including DC, VA, WA, CA, LA, and Denver. Collaboration with AI and product teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• 3+ years of professional backend or full-stack engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python and API development (REST or GraphQL).
• Experience with AWS services (Lambda, ECS/EKS, EC2, S3, RDS, CloudWatch).
• Hands-on experience with Docker and containerized applications.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes deployments (EKS preferred).
• Experience with Terraform or other Infrastructure-as-Code tools.
• Strong Git workflow experience (GitHub/GitLab).
• U.S. Person status and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop backend services and APIs using Python in a production environment.
• Integrate AWS services including EC2, Lambda, ECS/EKS, S3, RDS, CloudWatch, and Fargate.
• Build and maintain GraphQL or REST interfaces for mission-critical applications.
• Support AI/LLM integrations with platforms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and AskSage.
• Implement scalable, secure, and cost-efficient cloud architectures.
• Troubleshoot backend issues, optimize performance, and improve system reliability.
• Collaborate with frontend engineers, AI engineers, and product teams in an Agile environment.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps tooling, and infrastructure automation using Terraform or similar IaC tools.

Skills

Backend problem-solving

Team collaboration

Git workflow

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Python

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

GraphQL

REST APIs

AWS

OpenAI/AI integrations

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Backend Engineer to support a next‑generation federal mission‑software program focused on modernizing cloud‑native operations. This position is based in a hybrid environment with locations including Washington, DC, Arlington, VA, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. The Backend Engineer will design, build, and maintain backend services, APIs, and cloud‑integrated capabilities that directly support mission‑critical federal operations. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who wants to work with modern technologies, contribute to high‑impact systems, and grow within a fast‑moving, mission‑driven environment.

ACTIVE SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop backend services and APIs using Python in a production environment
• Integrate AWS services including EC2, Lambda, ECS/EKS, S3, RDS, CloudWatch, and Fargate
• Build and maintain GraphQL or REST interfaces for mission‑critical applications
• Support AI/LLM integrations with platforms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and AskSage
• Implement scalable, secure, and cost‑efficient cloud architectures
• Troubleshoot backend issues, optimize performance, and improve system reliability
• Collaborate with frontend engineers, AI engineers, and product teams in an Agile environment
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps tooling, and infrastructure automation using Terraform or similar IaC tools

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent hands‑on experience)
• 3+ years of professional backend or full‑stack engineering experience
• Strong proficiency in Python and API development (REST or GraphQL)
• Experience with AWS services (Lambda, ECS/EKS, EC2, S3, RDS, CloudWatch)
• Hands‑on experience with Docker and containerized applications
• Familiarity with Kubernetes deployments (EKS preferred)
• Experience with Terraform or other Infrastructure‑as‑Code tools
• Strong Git workflow experience (GitHub/GitLab)
• U.S. Person status and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Experience (Not Required):

• Experience integrating AI/LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, AskSage)
• Background in cloud‑native distributed systems
• Experience in startup or fast‑paced engineering environments
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization skills

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary range: $120,000 – $180,000 (depending on experience)
• Equity opportunities depending on program
• Comprehensive benefits package including PTO, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and sick leave
• Hybrid work flexibility depending on location

Keywords:

Keywords:

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