Senior Backend Developer, Data Platform

Salary: $127000 - 186000 per year Requirements: We require U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. Government security clearance at the TS/SCI level with CI polygraph. We need 10+ years of professional software engineering experience with a strong emphasis on backend development. We are looking for advanced Python proficiency. We require hands-on experience building backend systems, APIs, or distributed services in production environments. We expect strong PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch skills. We value familiarity with AWS, especially S3, RDS, and other data-focused services. We require a bachelors degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent practical experience. We need a solid grasp of software engineering fundamentals, including testing, version control, CI/CD, and system design. We value a persistent troubleshooting mindset with strong problem-solving and defect-resolution ability. We require strong communication and collaboration skills and the ability to thrive on a small technical team. Preferred: experience with data platforms, data pipelines, ETL/ELT workflows, or large-scale data processing systems. Preferred: experience with GitLab and GitLab CI. Preferred: experience with OpenShift and Helm. Preferred: experience with Docker and containerization. Preferred: meeting DoD 8570 IAT II and Privileged User Access requirements, such as Security+, CySA+, CCNA Security, GICSP, GSEC, or SSCP. Responsibilities: We design, build, and own backend services and platform components for a modern data architecture and pipeline environment. We make key technical decisions across architecture, data modeling, and system integration. We develop integrations with internal and external data sources, APIs, and event streams. We partner with data engineering, analytics, and product management teams to define scalable data models and platform capabilities. We strengthen the reliability, observability, and performance of data workflows and backend services. We implement best practices for testing, monitoring, logging, and deployment. We contribute to architecture choices around storage, orchestration, metadata management, and access patterns. We help establish engineering standards for code quality, documentation, CI/CD, and operational excellence. We troubleshoot and resolve production system issues. We work in a hybrid setup with a mix of remote work and onsite time at the customers office in Reston, VA. Technologies: AWS Backend CI/CD Docker ETL ElasticSearch GitLab Helm OpenShift PostgreSQL Python Security Cloud AI Support More: We are Vantage Compute, a modern software company building mission-critical applications with real-world impact for the Intelligence Community. Our team is sleek, collaborative, and mission-driven, focused on advancing spatial intelligence and enabling customers to see and shape the world differently. This hybrid role supports a customer site in Reston, VA and offers a competitive total rewards package, including a robust 401(k) match, mental health resources, student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement, and pet insurance. We also provide transparent pay practices, with base compensation in the Washington, DC metropolitan area ranging from $137,000 to $200,200 annually depending on experience, skills, location, and market conditions. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered fairly. last updated 26 week of 2026