Backend Software Engineer

Footbridge Federal; Centreville (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Footbridge Federal in Centreville, VA seeks a seasoned backend engineer to design and sustain scalable Java microservices in a Linux environment. You will build RESTful endpoints, optimize SQL data models, and create automated unit tests for high reliability.

This role supports defense and cleared programs; you’ll participate in peer reviews, automate CI/CD tasks, and collaborate across technical teams. Experience with Java 11+, JUnit, Maven, PostgreSQL, and IDEs like NetBeans is preferred.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• Strong backend development experience using Java in a Linux environment.
• Solid understanding of SQL and relational database management systems.
• Experience building and integrating RESTful web services.
• Practical experience with Java Enterprise technologies, including message-driven beans and CDI.
• Proficiency with Git version control, pull-request workflows, and collaborative tools like Bitbucket or GitLab.
• Experience writing automated unit tests and utilizing Java dependency management tools.
• Scripting capability using Bash, Groovy, or Python for operational automation.

Responsibilities

• Construct, test, and sustain scalable backend microservices and enterprise Java applications.
• Develop robust SQL queries, data models, and database interactions to optimize system data flow.
• Create and maintain automated unit tests to ensure high application reliability and code coverage.
• Build RESTful endpoints to facilitate seamless inter-system messaging and external application integration.
• Automate build, deployment, and operational tasks using continuous integration tools and custom scripting.
• Participate in peer code reviews, troubleshoot complex software issues, and collaborate across technical teams.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Java backend

Linux environment

SQL & RDBMS

RESTful services

Java EE MDBs CDI

Git workflows

Unit testing

Bash scripting

Groovy scripting

Python scripting

Tools

PostgreSQL

NetBeans IDE

JBoss/WildFly

Job description

• Construct, test, and sustain scalable backend microservices and enterprise Java applications
• Develop robust SQL queries, data models, and database interactions to optimize system data flow
• Create and maintain automated unit tests to ensure high application reliability and code coverage
• Build RESTful endpoints to facilitate seamless inter-system messaging and external application integration
• Automate build, deployment, and operational tasks using continuous integration tools and custom scripting
• Participate in peer code reviews, troubleshoot complex software issues, and collaborate across technical teams

Minimum Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Strong backend development experience using Java in a Linux environment
• Solid understanding of SQL and relational database management systems
• Experience building and integrating RESTful web services
• Practical experience with Java Enterprise technologies, including message-driven beans and CDI
• Proficiency with Git version control, pull-request workflows, and collaborative tools like Bitbucket or GitLab
• Experience writing automated unit tests and utilizing Java dependency management tools
• Scripting capability using Bash, Groovy, or Python for operational automation

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Java 11+, JUnit, Mockito, and Maven
• Proficiency with PostgreSQL databases and NetBeans IDE
• Experience with JBoss or WildFly application servers in classified project environments

Required Skills

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Strong backend development experience using Java in a Linux environment
• Solid understanding of SQL and relational database management systems
• Experience building and integrating RESTful web services
• Practical experience with Java Enterprise technologies, including message-driven beans and CDI
• Proficiency with Git version control, pull-request workflows, and collaborative tools like Bitbucket or GitLab
• Experience writing automated unit tests and utilizing Java dependency management tools
• Scripting capability using Bash, Groovy, or Python for operational automation

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience with Java 11+, JUnit, Mockito, and Maven
• Proficiency with PostgreSQL databases and NetBeans IDE
• Experience with JBoss or WildFly application servers in classified project environments

Security Clearance

• Level: TS/SCI
• Health and Financial Foundation — Medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, disability coverage, and flexible spending accounts are described in the benefits page.
• Time Away and Flexibility Where Mission Permits — PTO, holidays, sick time, military leave, and flexible arrangements are supported where program and security requirements allow.
• Professional Development — The site references certification support, training, conferences, mentorship, internal mobility, and individual development planning.

Mission

Footbridge Federal delivers engineering, cyber, mission IT, analytics, and cleared program support for defense, intelligence, federal civilian, homeland security, and research missions.

Culture

Mission Context Matters

Candidates should expect work tied to defense, intelligence, federal civilian, homeland, and research missions rather than generic commercial delivery.

Small-Team Accountability

The culture copy emphasizes ownership, communication, and practical execution across teams that work close to customers and program outcomes.

Growth With Technical Credibility

Career content supports hands-on technical growth, certifications, internal mobility, and program leadership without forcing one career track.

Benefits & why work here

• Health and Financial Foundation: Medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, disability coverage, and flexible spending accounts are described in the benefits page.
• Time Away and Flexibility Where Mission Permits: PTO, holidays, sick time, military leave, and flexible arrangements are supported where program and security requirements allow.
• Professional Development: The site references certification support, training, conferences, mentorship, internal mobility, and individual development planning.