Development - App Dev - Java - Sr

Job Title: Senior Backend Engineer - Java (Enterprise Platforms Technology)
Location: McLean, VA (Preferred) / Richmond, VA (Secondary) / Remote (No time zone restriction)
Duration: 7 Months

Project Overview
We are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join a high-impact team within the Enterprise Platforms Technology (EP Tech) space. The team is building a next-generation customer core platform responsible for storing and managing critical customer data such as email, phone numbers, and other attributes.
This is a greenfield development initiative focused on enabling a self-service, extensible data model, allowing new customer attributes to be onboarded with minimal engineering effort. The platform will also support downstream initiatives such as customer data-driven discovery features.
The role emphasizes backend engineering, distributed systems, and cloud-native development, leveraging modern technologies across Java, Python, AWS, and scalable databases.

Key Responsibilities:
Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend systems using Java and Python
Build and enhance APIs and microservices for customer data management platforms
Develop cloud-native solutions using AWS services (Lambda, Step Functions, ECS/Fargate)
Work with NoSQL and RDBMS databases such as Cassandra and Aurora PostgreSQL
Collaborate with cross-functional Agile teams (product managers, engineers) to deliver high-quality solutions
Participate in Agile ceremonies (stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives)
Ensure high performance, availability, and scalability of backend systems
Contribute to system design discussions and mentor junior engineers
Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry best practices

Required Skills:
Must have previous client experience working for this customer in the past 5 years
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field
3+ years of professional software engineering experience
Strong backend development experience with Java
Working knowledge of Python
Experience with AWS cloud services (Lambda, Step Functions, ECS/Fargate preferred)
Hands-on experience with distributed systems and microservices architecture
Experience with databases such as Cassandra and PostgreSQL (Aurora)
Strong understanding of REST APIs, data modeling, and system design
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced Agile environment
Ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt

Preferred Qualifications:
5+ years of experience in Java, Python, Scala, Go, or Node.js
Experience working in cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure)
Experience with open-source frameworks
2+ years of Agile development experience
Prior experience with Client (highly preferred)
Candidates currently working or recently working with Client are strongly preferred

Team & Work Environment
Agile team of 5 engineers, expanding to 7 members
Collaborative and innovation-driven environment
Focus on ownership, leadership, and independent problem-solving