Senior Backend Software Engineer with Security Clearance

Ennoble First Inc.; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ennoble First seeks a Senior Backend Software Engineer to develop scalable backend services used across a national security program. The role emphasizes designing RESTful APIs, integrating data sources, and ensuring system performance within Linux environments.

The ideal candidate has strong Java or Python backend experience, solid OO design skills, and the ability to work independently on complex challenges while contributing to architecture direction for a high-visibility program.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field with 8–12 years of experience; or a Master’s with 6–10 years.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to pass a Polygraph.
• Experience building backend applications in Java or Python.
• Experience designing RESTful APIs for scalable applications.
• Strong SQL skills across relational databases.
• Comfort working in Linux-based environments and independent problem solving.
• Ability to work on complex technical challenges and deliver solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain backend services.
• Build RESTful APIs and integrate data sources for analytics.
• Drive backend architecture decisions and system design.
• Ensure performance and reliability in Linux environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Participate in code reviews and adopt engineering best practices.
• Contribute to DevSecOps and cloud-native initiatives.
• Troubleshoot issues across application and database layers.
• Maintain documentation and support operational deployment.

Skills

Java

Python

REST APIs

SQL

Linux

Object-Oriented Design

Backend Development

DevSecOps

RESTful Architecture

Data Integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Master's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Spring Boot

Django

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

OpenShift

GitLab/Jenkins CI/CD

Airflow

AWS/Azure

PostGIS

Job description

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

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
desvelopment 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 812 years of experience; or a Master's degree with 610 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. EEO is the Law | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination www.dhs.gov/E-Verify E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.