Backend Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Backend Engineer with Security Clearance
Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Backend Engineer to support a next‑generation federal mission‑software program focused on modernizing cloud‑native operations. This position is based in a hybrid environment with locations including Washington, DC, Arlington, VA, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. The Backend Engineer will design, build, and maintain backend services, APIs, and cloud‑integrated capabilities that directly support mission‑critical federal operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who wants to work with modern technologies, contribute to high‑impact systems, and grow within a fast‑moving, mission‑driven environment. ACTIVE SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop backend services and APIs using Python in a production environment
• Integrate AWS services including EC2, Lambda, ECS/EKS, S3, RDS, Cloud Watch, and Fargate
• Build and maintain Graph

QL or REST interfaces for mission‑critical applications
• Support AI/LLM integrations with platforms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Ask Sage
• Implement scalable, secure, and cost‑efficient cloud architectures
• Troubleshoot backend issues, optimize performance, and improve system reliability
• Collaborate with frontend engineers, AI engineers, and product teams in an Agile environment
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, Dev Sec Ops  tooling, and infrastructure automation using Terraform or similar IaC tools

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent hands‑on experience)
• 3+ years of professional backend or full‑stack engineering experience
• Strong proficiency in Python and API development (REST or Graph

QL)
• Experience with AWS services (Lambda, ECS/EKS, EC2, S3, RDS, Cloud Watch)
• Hands‑on experience with Docker and containerized applications
• Familiarity with Kubernetes deployments (EKS preferred)
• Experience with Terraform or other Infrastructure‑as‑Code tools
• Strong Git workflow experience (Git Hub/Git Lab)
• U.S. Person status and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred Experience (Not Required):

• Experience integrating AI/LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Ask Sage)
• Background in cloud‑native distributed systems
• Experience in startup or fast‑paced engineering environments
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization skills Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary range: $120,000 – $180,000 (depending on experience)
• Equity opportunities depending on program
• Comprehensive benefits package including PTO, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and sick leave
• Hybrid work flexibility depending on location