Software Backend Developer (Hybrid Remote - TS/SCI CI Poly) with Security Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Backend Developer to support mission-critical applications for an Intelligence Community customer. This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining scalable backend services and APIs that power modern enterprise applications. The ideal candidate has strong Python development experience, expertise with cloud-native technologies, and a background supporting secure environments. Work Environment
Hybrid role supporting Intelligence Community missions with 3 days onsite and 2 days remote each week.

Candidates may work from Annapolis Junction, MD; Reston, VA; or Washington, DC, collaborating with software engineers, architects, and mission stakeholders to deliver secure, scalable backend solutions supporting national security objectives.

Responsibilities • Design, develop, and maintain backend services, microservices, and RESTful APIs using Python. • Develop application functionality utilizing Pydantic, SQLAlchemy, PostgreSQL, and modern backend frameworks. • Design database schemas, optimize queries, manage migrations, and maintain data integrity. • Build, deploy, and troubleshoot containerized applications using Docker and OpenShift. • Support the full software development lifecycle, including design reviews, testing, code reviews, and documentation. • Investigate and resolve production issues across application, database, and deployment environments. • Collaborate with product owners, customers, and technical teams to refine requirements and estimate development efforts. • Ensure applications meet security, performance, availability, and reliability requirements. • Mentor junior developers and contribute to technical leadership activities.

Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field (experience substitutions considered). • 9+ years of software engineering or backend development experience. • Strong experience developing backend applications and APIs using Python. • Experience building and supporting RESTful services and microservice architectures. • Strong proficiency with PostgreSQL, database design, query optimization, and data modeling. • Experience deploying and managing containerized applications using Docker. • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Clearance Requirement • Active TS/SCI Clearance with CI Polygraph required. Preferred • Experience supporting Intelligence Community or DoD programs. • Familiarity with Kubernetes and OpenShift environments. • Experience developing secure cloud-native applications. • Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps practices, and automation frameworks. • Experience improving application performance, security, scalability, and reliability. • Experience supporting large-scale enterprise or mission-critical systems.

Compensation: • Pay Bands: (based on position and experience) ◦ Level 4: BS with 9 years of experience or MS with 7 years of experience- $140,000 - $180,000 ◦ Level 5: BS with 14 years of experience or MS with 12 years of experience- $180,000 - $200,000 ◦ Level 6: BS with 19 years of experience or MS with 17 years of experience - $200,000 - $220,000 • Benefits: Cigna medical, dental, vision, 401k, 20+ days PTO, 11 federal holidays, and sick leave as required by law