Backend Software Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Backend Software Engineer jobs in District of Columbia are open across Washington and other District of Columbia metros, with employers like Esri, Guidehouse, and Booz Allen Hamilton hiring at every experience level. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 17+ Backend Software Engineer jobs
Overview
Join Esri`s team and build backend systems that power mission critical geospatial applications supporting Defense and Intelligence operations.
As a Software Development Engineer II, you will design and develop scalable backend services and APIs that enable complex data processing, system integration, and real time analytics. Your work will directly support high impact operational systems, helping organizations transform large scale data into actionable insights.
You will collaborate with cross functional teams to build reliable, high performance systems that operate across secure, distributed environments.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy solving complex backend challenges and want to apply their skills in mission drive environments where performance and reliability matter.
Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Washington DC area for this position.
Responsibilities
- Build backend services that power geospatial processing, automation, and user-facing capabilities
- Develop APIs, proxies, and integration services using Node.js and Python
- Create and maintain backend tooling that extends ArcGIS Enterprise in containerized environments
- Develop and maintain geoprocessing services, automation scripts, and operational workflows
- Build connectors and ingestion pipelines across diverse enterprise data sources
- Support deployments across cloud-native and on-prem environments
- Improve reliability and performance through API design, testing, monitoring, and observability
- Collaborate with platform, DevOps, and GIS teams to translate requirements into production solutions
Requirements
- 2+ years of professional backend software engineering experience
- Professional experience developing backend services using Python, JavaScript/Node,js and Java
- Experience designing and building REST APIs and service-based architectures
- Experience extending or integrating with ArcGIS Enterprise or similar enterprise geospatial platforms
- Familiarity with geoprocessing workflows, proxies and middleware services and automation of GIS or data processing tasks
- Experience working in containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes, or similar)
- Solid fundamentals in API design, software/system design, and testing and debugging distributed services
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
- US citizenship with Active or Current (within 2 years of active) Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or STEM related field
Recommended Qualifications
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or Stem related field
- Esri certification
- CompTIA Security + certification
- Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP)
- Experience with monitoring, logging, and observability tools
- Exposure to DevSecOps practices and secure development pipelines
- Experience with ArcGIS Enterprise SDKs, automation frameworks, or platform extensions
- Experience building services for geospatial analysis, data pipelines, or map services
- Familiarity with enterprise authentication, proxies, and secure service architectures
- Experience with relational and spatial databases (PostgreSQL,PostGIS, SQL Server, and more)
- Exposure to event-driven architecture, batch processing, or distributed data workflows
#LI-SS2
#LI-Onsite
The Company
At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life's best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri's Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.
If you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!
Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Esri Privacy Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.
Overview
Join Esri`s team and build backend systems that power mission critical geospatial applications supporting Defense and Intelligence operations.
As a Software Development Engineer II, you will design and develop scalable backend services and APIs that enable complex data processing, system integration, and real time analytics. Your work will directly support high impact operational systems, helping organizations transform large scale data into actionable insights.
You will collaborate with cross functional teams to build reliable, high performance systems that operate across secure, distributed environments.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy solving complex backend challenges and want to apply their skills in mission drive environments where performance and reliability matter.
Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Washington DC area for this position.
Responsibilities
- Build backend services that power geospatial processing, automation, and user-facing capabilities
- Develop APIs, proxies, and integration services using Node.js and Python
- Create and maintain backend tooling that extends ArcGIS Enterprise in containerized environments
- Develop and maintain geoprocessing services, automation scripts, and operational workflows
- Build connectors and ingestion pipelines across diverse enterprise data sources
- Support deployments across cloud-native and on-prem environments
- Improve reliability and performance through API design, testing, monitoring, and observability
- Collaborate with platform, DevOps, and GIS teams to translate requirements into production solutions
Requirements
- 2+ years of professional backend software engineering experience
- Professional experience developing backend services using Python, JavaScript/Node,js and Java
- Experience designing and building REST APIs and service-based architectures
- Experience extending or integrating with ArcGIS Enterprise or similar enterprise geospatial platforms
- Familiarity with geoprocessing workflows, proxies and middleware services and automation of GIS or data processing tasks
- Experience working in containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes, or similar)
- Solid fundamentals in API design, software/system design, and testing and debugging distributed services
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
- US citizenship with Active or Current (within 2 years of active) Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or STEM related field
Recommended Qualifications
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or Stem related field
- Esri certification
- CompTIA Security + certification
- Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP)
- Experience with monitoring, logging, and observability tools
- Exposure to DevSecOps practices and secure development pipelines
- Experience with ArcGIS Enterprise SDKs, automation frameworks, or platform extensions
- Experience building services for geospatial analysis, data pipelines, or map services
- Familiarity with enterprise authentication, proxies, and secure service architectures
- Experience with relational and spatial databases (PostgreSQL,PostGIS, SQL Server, and more)
- Exposure to event-driven architecture, batch processing, or distributed data workflows
#LI-SS2
#LI-Onsite
The Company
At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life's best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri's Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.
If you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!
Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Esri Privacy Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.
See All 17 Backend Software Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBackend Software Engineer Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Backend Software Engineer Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Esri2
- Guidehouse2G
- Booz Allen Hamilton2
- GEICO1
- hatch IT1
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software2
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Insurance1
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in backend software engineer jobs across District of Columbia.
- Proficiency in at least one backend language such as Python, Java, Go, or Node.js
- Experience designing and building RESTful or GraphQL APIs
- Hands-on knowledge of relational and non-relational databases including PostgreSQL and MongoDB
- Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure
- Understanding of microservices architecture, containerization, and CI/CD pipelines
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field
Backend Software Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How many backend software engineer jobs are there in District of Columbia?
There are 17+ backend software engineer openings in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate as of June 2026, with the most roles in Washington. New positions post regularly as employers across District of Columbia hire.
How much do backend software engineers make in District of Columbia?
Backend software engineers in District of Columbia earn a median of about $136,880 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,140 for the lowest 10% to over $197,000 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most backend software engineer jobs?
Washington have the most backend software engineer openings in District of Columbia right now, with additional roles spread across smaller metros statewide.
Which companies hire backend software engineers in District of Columbia?
Companies currently hiring backend software engineers in District of Columbia include Esri, Guidehouse, and Booz Allen Hamilton, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026.
Are there remote backend software engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes. About 13% of backend software engineer openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The rest are on-site roles based in District of Columbia metros.
How do I apply for backend software engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
You can apply to backend software engineer jobs in District of Columbia directly on Migrate Mate. Search the listings above, find roles that match your experience and preferred District of Columbia location, then apply to each one that fits.
See All 17 Backend Software Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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