Software Developer (Backend) Senior

Bigbear.ai
  • Washington, Washington, DC
  • Full-time
3 days ago

Job Description

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.
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 https://bigbear.ai/ 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.

 

Numbers & Facts

LocationWashington, Washington, DC
Job TypeFull-time

Skills

  • Agile Programming Methodologiesunmatched
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)unmatched
  • Application Programming Interface (API)unmatched
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)unmatched
  • Benchmarkingunmatched
  • Cloud Computingunmatched
  • Code Reviewsunmatched
  • Continuous Deployment/Deliveryunmatched
  • Continuous Improvementunmatched
  • Continuous Integrationunmatched
  • Data Storageunmatched
  • Database Technologyunmatched
  • Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)unmatched
  • Dockerunmatched
  • Document Managementunmatched
  • Documentationunmatched
  • Elasticsearchunmatched
  • Express.jsunmatched
  • Integration Testingunmatched
  • Interoperabilityunmatched
  • Mentoringunmatched
  • Metadataunmatched
  • Microsoft Windows Azureunmatched
  • Middlewareunmatched
  • MongoDBunmatched
  • Node.jsunmatched
  • Performance Testingunmatched
  • Performance Tuning/Optimizationunmatched
  • PostgreSQLunmatched
  • Predictive Modelingunmatched
  • Python Programming/Scripting Languageunmatched
  • Query Optimizationunmatched
  • REST (Representational State Transfer)unmatched
  • Redisunmatched
  • Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)unmatched
  • Server Programming/Applicationsunmatched
  • Server-Side Javaunmatched
  • Software Developmentunmatched
  • Software Engineeringunmatched
  • Sprint Planningunmatched
  • Supply Chain Managementunmatched
  • Systems Maintenanceunmatched
  • Team Playerunmatched
  • Unit Testunmatched
  • User Interface/Experience (UI/UX)unmatched

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