If you’ve spent the last few years building your expertise in backend engineering, Java or Python development, and mission‑driven systems, and you’re ready for work that actually moves the needle, this is the kind of opportunity cleared engineers pursue when they want real impact. If you take pride in your craft, write your own résumé, and deliver results that senior leaders actually see, you’ll thrive here.
We’re hiring a Backend Software Engineer to support a high‑visibility application relied on across the organization for data analysis, reporting, and operational decision‑making. You’ll design and build scalable backend services, develop RESTful APIs, integrate complex data sources, and ensure system reliability and performance in a Linux‑based environment.
Our primary development team operates out of Gaithersburg, MD, but we also support onsite engineers in Alexandria, VA; Chantilly, VA; Aurora, CO; St. Louis, MO; and Tucson, AZ, giving top talent multiple paths to join the mission.
And while the requisition requirements may seem standard fair, the position is not; as it will join a high performing team that is changing the way digital engineering and mission operations intelligence is enabled for our customer.
Why This Role Stands Out
High Impact: Your services power a widely used application that drives real‑time decisions
High Visibility: Collaborate directly with engineering teams and mission stakeholders
Career Growth: Deepen your expertise in backend architecture, API design, and scalable systems
Challenging Work: Build and optimize complex backend features
Key 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
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field with 8–12 years of experience; or a Master’s degree with 6–10 years of experience
U.S. Citizenship
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
Preferred 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
#MARU
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
The Leidos 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.
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