Senior Backend Engineer

The Senior Backend Engineer designs, builds, and maintains scalable backend systems and services that power learning solutions for Pansophic Learning. This role is primarily responsible for backend development, API design, and system integrations, ensuring high performance, reliability, and scalability. The Backend Engineer is expected to deliver high-quality solutions in a timely manner while continuously improving backend architecture and development practices.

This role reports directly to the Software Development Manager and works closely with Software Engineers, QA/Test Engineers, and cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate is proactive, innovative, and able to contribute ideas that enhance current and future backend systems.

This position will work 4 days per week in office in Tysons Corner, VA.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs for K-12 learning environments
• Build and manage RESTful APIs using Node.js and Express
• Design and implement data models using relational and NoSQL databases
• Develop and maintain backend systems using Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Ensure performance, scalability, and reliability of backend systems
• Implement best practices for code management, version control, and deployment using Git
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues, ensuring system stability
• Collaborate with frontend developers, QA engineers, and product teams to deliver end-to-end solutions
• Contribute to system architecture decisions and backend design improvements
• Support deployment processes and maintain CI/CD workflows

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 10+ years of overall software development experience
• 5+ years of professional experience with Node.js and Express
• Expert-level proficiency in JavaScript and TypeScript
• Strong experience building and consuming RESTful APIs
• Deep understanding of backend architecture and distributed systems
• Strong SQL skills, preferably with PostgreSQL
• Experience with NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, DynamoDB)
• Experience working with AWS services such as Lambda, ECS, EC2, RDS, S3, DynamoDB, and API Gateway
• Experience with message queue technologies and backend design patterns
• Experience with Git version control and modern branching strategies
• Experience working in Unix/Linux environments
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to debug complex systems
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Ability to pass federal and state criminal background checks (FBI/BCI)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Docker and Docker Compose
• Familiarity with AWS CDK
• Experience building microservices or distributed systems
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and handle multiple priorities

Pansophic Learning is committed to building high-quality, scalable backend systems that support innovative education solutions. This role is ideal for an experienced backend engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about building robust, efficient systems.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person’s race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.

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