Backend Developer - Ruby on Rails (Remote)

GovCIO is seeking a Ruby on Rails Backend Developer to design, build, and maintain backend services for VA.gov. This role is primarily focused on Ruby/Rails backend engineering, API development, system reliability, and integration work. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and contribute to AI-enabled enhancements where they provide clear user valuer. This is a fully remote position open to candidates within the Continental United States (CONUS).

Backend Development

• Build and maintain backend components using Ruby on Rails, JSON controllers, Sidekiq, and other server-side tools.
• Develop and optimize RESTful APIs and backend integrations.
• Ensure performance, reliability, security, and compliance across all backend services.
• Conduct system analysis to clarify requirements, data flows, program intent, and technical constraints.

AI-Enabled Enhancements

• Integrate AI capabilities into existing workflows with proper safeguards, observability, and monitoring.
• Support operationalizing AI solutions within AWS, including Amazon Bedrock (model selection, latency, IAM, cost management, and logging).
• Contribute to RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) implementation, including embedding strategy, vector search, relevance tuning, and guardrails.

Collaboration & Delivery

• Work closely with developers, product teams, and platform partners to deliver features for veteran-facing services.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, and code reviews.
• Assist in defining system requirements, creating user stories, and estimating project timelines

Quality, Documentation & Testing

• Prepare documentation such as reports, operational procedures, and maintenance manuals.
• Participate in integration testing and ensure seamless system functionality.
• Maintain proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all deliverables meet contract, quality, and security standards.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's with 5-8 years years of experience (or equivalent).
• Proven experience developing with Ruby on Rails and managing backend systems.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with RSpec.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Knowledge of the software development lifecycle and version-control/project tools (Jira, GitHub, Confluence, etc.).
• AI integration experience (LLM-powered workflows, agents, automations).
• RAG experience (chunking, embeddings, vector search, relevance evaluation).
• MCP (Model Context Protocol) or equivalent tool/agent integration experience.
• AWS Bedrock experience (model operations, prompt management, security, monitoring).
• Must be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S

Clearance Required: Ability to obtain and maintain a Suitability/Public Trust clearance.