Backend Developer

Verdantas•Washington, DC

1d•$160,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Verdantas is seeking a skilled, security-cleared Backend Developer to design, build, and maintain the server-side systems powering mission-critical applications. The role involves developing backend functionality and services using Python and related technologies, maintaining REST APIs and PostgreSQL databases, and deploying applications in OpenShift. The developer will investigate production issues, work with customers and internal stakeholders to clarify requirements and estimate work, participate in design and code reviews, write automated tests, maintain technical documentation, and mentor developers. The position operates in classified environments and is hybrid, with on-site presence required 2–3 days per week.

Requirements

Nine years of experience in software or systems engineering, or a highly related field with similar scope and responsibilities.
Active TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph.
Strong experience developing backend services and REST APIs.
Experience developing and maintaining backend applications and services using Python.
Proficiency with PostgreSQL, including relational data modeling, SQL, schema migrations, indexing, and query optimization.
Understanding of OpenSearch data structures, indexing, and querying.
Hands-on Docker experience, including writing Dockerfiles, building images, and troubleshooting containers.
Strong communication skills and the ability to translate business and customer needs into clear technical requirements.
A bachelor's degree may be substituted for four years of experience; a master's degree may be substituted for six years of experience.

Nice To Haves

Deep expertise in Python and API design.
Familiarity with software development within the Department of War.
Familiarity with Linux environments and Kubernetes concepts.
Experience configuring CI/CD pipelines and automating application deployments.
Experience improving application security, accessibility, performance, and reliability.
Experience working in an Agile development environment and coordinating with product, operations, and security teams.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain backend application functionality using Python, Docker, Kubernetes, OpenSearch, and PostgreSQL.
Develop and maintain backend services and REST APIs, including request validation, error handling, and authentication and authorization integration.
Use Pydantic for data validation and SQLAlchemy for database access and object-relational mapping in Python services.
Design and maintain PostgreSQL schemas, queries, indexes, and database migrations, with attention to performance and data integrity.
Build and maintain Docker images, and deploy, configure, and troubleshoot applications in OpenShift.
Investigate and resolve production issues across the user interface, backend services, database, and application deployment.
Work with customers, product owners, and other stakeholders to clarify requirements, identify dependencies, and estimate implementation effort.
Participate in technical design and code reviews, write automated tests, and maintain technical documentation.
Mentor developers and collaborate with operations and security teams to support reliable application delivery.