The Senior Backend Engineer designs, builds, and maintains scalable backend systems and services that power learning solutions for Pansophic Learning. This role is primarily responsible for backend development, API design, and system integrations, ensuring high performance, reliability, and scalability. The Backend Engineer is expected to deliver high-quality solutions in a timely manner while continuously improving backend architecture and development practices.

This role reports directly to the Software Development Manager and works closely with Software Engineers, QA/Test Engineers, and cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate is proactive, innovative, and able to contribute ideas that enhance current and future backend systems.

This position will work 4 days per week in office in Tysons Corner, VA.

Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs for K-12 learning environments
Build and manage RESTful APIs using Node.js and Express
Design and implement data models using relational and NoSQL databases
Develop and maintain backend systems using Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Ensure performance, scalability, and reliability of backend systems
Implement best practices for code management, version control, and deployment using Git
Troubleshoot and resolve production issues, ensuring system stability
Collaborate with frontend developers, QA engineers, and product teams to deliver end-to-end solutions
Contribute to system architecture decisions and backend design improvements
Support deployment processes and maintain CI/CD workflows

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
10+ years of overall software development experience
5+ years of professional experience with Node.js and Express
Expert-level proficiency in JavaScript and TypeScript
Strong experience building and consuming RESTful APIs
Deep understanding of backend architecture and distributed systems
Strong SQL skills, preferably with PostgreSQL
Experience with NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, DynamoDB)
Experience working with AWS services such as Lambda, ECS, EC2, RDS, S3, DynamoDB, and API Gateway
Experience with message queue technologies and backend design patterns
Experience with Git version control and modern branching strategies
Experience working in Unix/Linux environments
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to debug complex systems
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment
Ability to pass federal and state criminal background checks (FBI/BCI)

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Docker and Docker Compose
Familiarity with AWS CDK
Experience building microservices or distributed systems
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and handle multiple priorities

Additional Information:

Pansophic Learning is committed to building high-quality, scalable backend systems that support innovative education solutions. This role is ideal for an experienced backend engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about building robust, efficient systems.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person’s race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.

#LI-AB1

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site