Software Developer (Backend) Senior

Residency
All applicants must currently reside in the United States
Overview
Join BigBear.ai to modernize and connect mission-critical systems for the Defense Intelligence Agency-blend modern cloud-native engineering with legacy compatibility to deliver secure, reliable services that analysts and operators depend on.
Why this role is exciting

• Direct mission impact: your work keeps legacy and next-gen systems interoperable and mission-ready in a secure environment.
• Hands-on engineering: design APIs, build robust back-end services, and shape integration patterns that influence product direction.
• Modern tools, meaningful constraints: work with Node.js/TypeScript, containers, CI/CD, and databases while solving real-world security and compatibility challenges.
• Growth and collaboration: join a team that values mentorship, clear ownership, and continuous improvement.

What you will do

• Implement features, enhancements, and bug fixes that enable successor and legacy systems to co-exist reliably.
• Build and maintain back-end services, RESTful APIs, and integration layers with a focus on security, performance, and maintainability.
• Develop and operate containerized services and CI/CD pipelines to deliver repeatable deployments into SCIF-capable environments.
• Design data storage and access patterns; run performance tests and optimize queries for MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Redis, and Elasticsearch.
• Work in Agile teams: participate in sprint planning, code reviews, architecture discussions, and continuous-improvement efforts.
• Produce clear documentation, unit/integration tests, and runbooks so deployments are auditable and repeatable.
• Independently manage multiple complex assignments with minimal oversight and propose innovative technical solutions.

What you need to have

• TS/SCI clearance with a current CI polygraph (required).
• Bachelor's degree + 6+ years of software/application development experience - or 8+ years' experience in lieu of degree. Recent hands-on experience (within last 2 years) preferred.
• 2+ years modernizing or maintaining legacy systems alongside new development.
• Strong back-end skills with Node.js + TypeScript (NestJS/Express familiarity preferred).
• Containerization experience (Docker) and practical knowledge of CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI or similar).
• Experience with databases and search platforms: MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Redis, Elasticsearch/OpenSearch.
• Proven ability to manage complex workstreams independently and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in secure environments with strict operational controls and documentation requirements.

What we'd like you to have

• Familiarity with Angular or front-end integration (useful for integration validation).
• Experience with Jest or other test frameworks and performance benchmarking.
• Exposure to cloud providers (Azure, AWS) and container orchestration basics (Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of metadata, data catalogs, or governance concepts (lineage, schema, classification).
• Additional server-side languages (Java, Python) or middleware/integration experience.

Pay transparency
Please note the targeted compensation range is provided as an estimate, and any actual compensation offer may vary depending on the needs of the company, or an applicant's skillset, competencies, experience, education, certifications, location, or other factors. The estimated range does not include the value of any benefits offered.
About BigBear.ai
BigBear.ai is a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for national security, supply chain management, and digital identity. Customers and partners rely on Bigbear.ai's predictive analytics capabilities in highly complex, distributed, mission-based operating environments. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, BigBear.ai is a public company traded on the NYSE under the symbol BBAI. For more information, visit and follow BigBear.ai on LinkedIn: @BigBear.ai and X: @BigBearai.
BigBear.ai is an Equal opportunity employer all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.