Lead Backend Software Developer

We’re looking for a senior backend software engineer who thrives on building robust infrastructure rather than front-end applications. This is a highly technical engineering role focused on designing secure, scalable backend systems that power artificial intelligence, missile defense, space, and advanced software programs supporting national security. You’ll serve as one of the organization’s senior technical leaders, helping establish engineering standards while mentoring developers across multiple growing software teams. You’ll architect backend services, modernize deployment pipelines, improve DevSecOps practices, and help shape the future software architecture of several mission-critical programs. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys infrastructure engineering, automation, Kubernetes, containerization, and backend development—not traditional web or full-stack development. While experience supporting defense programs is valuable, we also welcome engineers from commercial software organizations who can bring modern engineering practices, scalable architectures, and fresh technical perspectives. What You’ll Do Backend Software Engineering

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend applications and APIs using Python.
• Architect reusable software components that support multiple government and internal programs.
• Build highly reliable, secure, and maintainable software solutions supporting mission-critical systems.
• Participate throughout the complete software development lifecycle, from architecture through deployment and sustainment.

Infrastructure & Platform Engineering

• Design and manage containerized applications using Docker.
• Deploy and maintain software within on-premises Kubernetes environments.
• Build infrastructure-as-code and deployment configurations using YAML and related technologies.
• Improve software portability, scalability, and operational reliability across secure environments.

DevSecOps & CI/CD

• Design and maintain automated CI/CD pipelines using GitLab or similar DevOps platforms.
• Improve software delivery, automated testing, deployment, and release processes.
• Implement DevSecOps best practices throughout the development lifecycle.
• Support secure deployments into highly regulated and, in some cases, air-gapped environments.

Artificial Intelligence & Data Platforms

• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into software platforms where appropriate.
• Support applications utilizing technologies such as LangChain, PyTorch, vector databases, and modern retrieval architectures.
• Collaborate with engineers developing AI-enabled decision support capabilities.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a senior technical resource across multiple software programs.
• Mentor junior and mid-level software engineers.
• Help establish software architecture standards, development processes, and engineering best practices.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges., What You Will Do: Design, develop, implement, and maintain applications using Microsoft Power Apps Develop automated workflows and process orchestrations using Power Automate. …
• 5 days ago, Job Family: SAAS/PAAS/Cloud Consulting Travel Required: None Clearance Required: Active Top Secret (TS) What You Will Do: Design, develop, implement, and maintain applicati…
• 8 days ago +

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of professional backend software development experience.
• Extensive experience developing applications in Python.
• Strong experience building backend APIs and distributed software systems.
• Hands-on experience with Docker and containerized application development.
• Experience deploying and managing applications in Kubernetes.
• Experience creating YAML-based deployment configurations.
• Strong experience implementing CI/CD pipelines using GitLab or similar DevOps platforms.
• Solid understanding of software architecture, distributed systems, networking fundamentals, and modern infrastructure design.
• Experience with Git and collaborative software development workflows.
• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Security Requirements

• Active Secret Security Clearance preferred.
• Candidates eligible to obtain an Interim Secret Clearance will also be considered, depending on program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with on-premises (“vanilla”) Kubernetes environments.
• Experience deploying software into secure or air-gapped environments.
• AI/ML development experience using technologies such as LangChain or PyTorch.
• Experience with vector databases including Milvus, Chroma, or similar technologies.
• Familiarity with AWS or Microsoft Azure cloud environments.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense, missile defense, aerospace, or national security programs.
• Master’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline.

• Modernize infrastructure, DevSecOps practices, and deployment pipelines.
• Collaborate with highly technical engineering teams solving complex real-world problems.
• Competitive salary of $155,000–$170,000 plus comprehensive benefits.

Leidos

• Huntsville, AL
• $87,100-157,450 per year Description Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to…