> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2850819-backend-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2850819-backend-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Backend Engineer

- **Company:** Zachary Piper
- **Location:** Denver, CO, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $120,000.0 - $180,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Amazon S3, Cloud Computing, Software Debugging, Distributed Systems, Github, Python (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Large Language Models, Software Troubleshooting, Reliability of Systems, Backend, Gitlab, Git, Amazon Relational Database Service, Containerization, Kubernetes, Infrastructure Automation Frameworks, Information Technology, AWS Fargate, Graphql, Front End Software Development, Api Design, Cloudwatch, Terraform, Devsecops, Docker
- **Published:** September 11, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/8732042/backend-engineer

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)

 * 3+ years of professional backend or full-stack engineering experience

 * Strong proficiency in Python and API development (REST or GraphQL)

 * Experience with AWS services (Lambda, ECS/EKS, EC2, S3, RDS, CloudWatch)

 * Hands-on experience with Docker and containerized applications

 * Familiarity with Kubernetes deployments (EKS preferred)

 * Experience with Terraform or other Infrastructure-as-Code tools

 * Strong Git workflow experience (GitHub/GitLab)

 * U.S. Person status and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Experience (Not Required):

 * Experience integrating AI/LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, AskSage)

 * Background in cloud-native distributed systems

 * Experience in startup or fast-paced engineering environments

 * Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization skills

## Description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Backend Engineer to support a next-generation federal mission-software program focused on modernizing cloud-native operations. This position is based in a hybrid environment with locations including Washington, DC, Arlington, VA, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. The Backend Engineer will design, build, and maintain backend services, APIs, and cloud-integrated capabilities that directly support mission-critical federal operations. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who wants to work with modern technologies, contribute to high-impact systems, and grow within a fast-moving, mission-driven environment., * Develop backend services and APIs using Python in a production environment

 * Integrate AWS services including EC2, Lambda, ECS/EKS, S3, RDS, CloudWatch, and Fargate

 * Build and maintain GraphQL or REST interfaces for mission-critical applications

 * Support AI/LLM integrations with platforms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and AskSage

 * Implement scalable, secure, and cost-efficient cloud architectures

 * Troubleshoot backend issues, optimize performance, and improve system reliability

 * Collaborate with frontend engineers, AI engineers, and product teams in an Agile environment

 * Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps tooling, and infrastructure automation using Terraform or similar IaC tools


## Related Videos

- [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94)
- [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered)
- [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Modern DevOps for IoT Devices and More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1805-wearedevelopers-live-modern-devops-for-iot-devices-and-more)
- [Shipping Faster with Less: Render on Cloud Hosting, AI Workloads, and the Future of DevOps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1894-shipping-faster-with-less-render-on-cloud-hosting-ai-workloads-and-the-future-of-devops)
- [Enabling automated 1-click customer deployments with built-in quality and security](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/83-enabling-automated-1-click-customer-deployments-with-built-in-quality-and-security)
- [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews)

## Related Articles

- [What’s the Difference Between Frontend and Backend Development?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/240-what-s-the-difference-between-frontend-and-backend-development)
- [20 Essential Tools For Backend Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/218-20-essential-tools-for-backend-development)
- [The 7 Most Popular Backend Frameworks for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/403-the-7-most-popular-backend-frameworks-for-developers)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Backend Developer Salary in Germany [2023]](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/196-backend-developer-salary-in-germany-2023)
- [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)