Backend Engineer (CLEARED) - 160036

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Backend Engineer to support a next-generation federal mission-software program focused on modernizing cloud-native operations. The role will design, build, and maintain backend services, APIs, and cloud-integrated capabilities while supporting AI/LLM integrations, scalable cloud architectures, and mission-critical federal operations.

Responsibilities

Develop backend services and APIs using Python in a production environment

Integrate AWS services including EC2, Lambda, ECS/EKS, S3, RDS, CloudWatch, and Fargate

Build and maintain GraphQL or REST interfaces for mission-critical applications

Support AI/LLM integrations with platforms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and AskSage

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, DevSecOps tooling, and infrastructure automation using Terraform or similar IaC tools

Preferred

Experience integrating AI/LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, AskSage)

Background in cloud‑native distributed systems

Experience in startup or fast‑paced engineering environments

Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization skills

AI/LLM API Integration

Cloud-Native Distributed Systems

Startup Engineering Experience

Fast-Paced Engineering Experience

Debugging

Performance Optimization

Benefits

Equity opportunities depending on program

PTO

Paid holidays

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k)

Sick leave

Hybrid work flexibility depending on location

Company

Technical and professional services for U.S. government

Mclean, Virginia, USA

http://zacharypiper.com/

Founded in 2011

201-500 employees

Qualifications

Active Secret Security Clearance Required

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 GraphQL)

Experience with AWS services (Lambda, ECS/EKS, EC2, S3, RDS, CloudWatch)

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 (GitHub/GitLab)

U.S. Person status and ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

Experience integrating AI/LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, AskSage)

Background in cloud‑native distributed systems

Experience in startup or fast‑paced engineering environments

Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization skills

Required skills

Python, REST API Development, GraphQL, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Git, GitHub/GitLab, Secret Security Clearance

Preferred skills

Background in cloud‑native distributed systems, Experience in startup or fast‑paced engineering environments

Experience

3+ years