Software Engineer - Backend

We're looking for a highly experienced Backend Software Engineer to design, build, and maintain robust, mission-critical backend services and data platforms. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex, large-scale distributed systems, brings deep expertise in Java and Spring Boot, and is passionate about building scalable, secure, and maintainable backend architectures that power high-profile analytical platforms. This position is located in Chantilly, VA., * Service Design & Development: Design, build, and maintain scalable, production-grade backend services and RESTful APIs using Java and Spring Boot, with a strong emphasis on performance, maintainability, and security.

• Data Modeling & Database Engineering: Design and implement relational data models and Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs); develop, optimize, and maintain schemas and queries against Oracle RDS and other relational database systems.
• API Design & Security: Architect and implement RESTful API endpoints, including request and response handling, versioning, and API security measures; produce and maintain API documentation using tools such as Swagger.
• Testing & Code Quality: Write and maintain comprehensive unit and integration tests using JUnit and related frameworks; enforce code coverage standards using tools such as JaCoCo; participate in code reviews and uphold engineering quality across the backend codebase.
• Build, Deploy & Automation: Develop and maintain automated build, test, and deployment pipelines using Gradle, Maven, and Jenkins; contribute to CI/CD pipeline improvements and infrastructure-as-code practices.
• Cloud & Infrastructure: Design and deploy backend services in cloud environments, with a focus on AWS; apply best practices for cloud-native architecture, security, and cost efficiency.
• Agile Delivery: Work within Agile development frameworks; participate in sprint planning, backlog refinement, and iterative delivery cycles to meet mission-driven deadlines.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with frontend engineers, platform teams, database administrators, and mission stakeholders to define integration contracts, shared service patterns, and system architecture decisions.
• Technical Documentation: Produce clear and thorough technical documentation for backend services, data models, API contracts, and architecture decisions to support team scalability and knowledge transfer.

• BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience
• 10+ years of software engineering experience with a focus on backend systems development
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with Java-based backend frameworks, including Spring Boot and Hibernate
• Strong understanding of data modeling and relational database design principles, including experience designing ERDs
• Experience with Oracle Relational Database Services (RDS)
• Experience creating RESTful APIs, including designing endpoints, handling requests and responses, and implementing API security measures
• Experience with unit testing and integration testing using JUnit and other testing frameworks; familiarity with code coverage tools such as JaCoCo
• Experience with servlet containers such as Tomcat
• Proficiency working in Linux-based environments and with shell scripting
• Experience with automated build, test, and deployment technologies such as Gradle, Maven, and Jenkins
• Experience with API documentation tools such as Swagger
• Experience with cloud-based technologies, including AWS
• Experience utilizing CI/CD pipelines
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
• US citizenship and an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance required

Desired Experience:

• Experience working with or implementing serverless architectures such as AWS Lambda and related serverless technologies
• Experience designing and implementing microservices architecture with a focus on scalability and maintainability
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker
• Experience with container orchestration technologies such as Kubernetes
• Experience with additional backend frameworks or languages such as Node.js or Python
• Experience with AWS services such as EKS or Step Functions

Do you know anyone for this position, or other positions open at The Swift Group? We offer a $5,000 bonus for any referral candidate we hire, paid out at the new hire's 90-day mark.

The Swift Group is a privately held, mission-driven and employee-focused services and solutions company headquartered in Reston, VA. Our capabilities include Software Development, Engineering & IT, Data Science, Cyber Enablement, Logistics, and Training. Founded in 2019, Swift supports Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence Community customers across the country and around the globe.