Senior Backend Engineer

Overview

GovCIO is currently hiring for Senior Backend Engineer to own and evolve core backend services that power a secure, event-driven digital intake and processing platform. This position will be remote.

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain backend services in a modern TypeScript/Node.js ecosystem.• Build and evolve event-driven pipelines, task orchestration, and asynchronous workflows.• Own relational data modeling and migrations using PostgreSQL and ORM-based schema management.• Develop robust APIs (REST and WebSocket) with clear versioning and backward-compatibility guarantees.• Implement and enforce security, authentication, and authorization patterns appropriate for regulated environments.• Partner closely with frontend, DevOps, and product stakeholders to translate requirements into durable backend solutions.• Establish and uphold engineering standards around testing (unit, integration, BDD), code quality, and documentation.• Diagnose and remediate production issues, including performance bottlenecks, data integrity issues, and deployment failures.

Senior-Level Expectations

• Independently scope, design, and deliver complex backend features with minimal supervision.• Make principled architectural decisions and clearly articulate tradeoffs to technical and non-technical stakeholders.• Anticipate failure modes and design systems that degrade gracefully.• Proactively identify technical debt and propose pragmatic remediation plans.• Mentor mid-level engineers and raise the overall backend engineering bar.• Operate comfortably in environments with compliance, auditability, and security constraints.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree and 12+ years (or commensurate experience).
• 10+ years of Backend engineering experience in production systems.
• Strong experience with relational databases and transactional data modeling.
• Proven track record designing event-driven or workflow-oriented systems.
• Deep familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and production operations.
• Experience working in regulated or high-assurance environments (government, finance, healthcare) is a strong plus.
• Language & Runtime: TypeScript, Node.js.
• Frameworks & Tooling: Modular service architecture, Jest (unit/BDD testing), Drizzle ORM.
• Data Layer: PostgreSQL, schema migrations, transactional workflows.
• Architecture: Event-driven pipelines, background workers, task queues, HITL (Human-in-the-Loop) workflows.
• Infrastructure: Docker, GitHub Actions CI/CD, AWS (EC2, SSM, ECR, IAM, S3, Route53).
• Auth & Identity: Keycloak, JWT-based authentication.
• Observability: Structured logging, metrics, operational diagnostics endpoints.

Clearance Required: Ability to obtain and maintain a Suitability/Public Trust

Company Overview

GovCIO is a team of transformers--people who are passionate about transforming government IT. Every day, we make a positive impact by delivering innovative IT services and solutions that improve how government agencies operate and serve our citizens.But we can't do it alone. We need great people to help us do great things - for our customers, our culture, and our ability to attract other great people. We are changing the face of government IT and building a workforce that fuels this mission. Are you ready to be a transformer?

What You Can Expect

Interview & Hiring Process

If you are selected to move forward through the process, here’s what you can expect:

• During the Interview Process
• Virtual video interview conducted via video with the hiring manager and/or team
• Camera must be on
• A valid photo ID must be presented during each interview

• During the Hiring Process
• Enhanced Biometrics ID verification screening
• Background check, to include:
• Criminal history (past 7 years)
• Verification of your highest level of education
• Verification of your employment history (past 7 years), based on information provided in your application

Employee Perks

At GovCIO, we consistently hear that meaningful work and a collaborative team environment are two of the top reasons our employees enjoy working here. In addition, our employees have access to a range of perks and benefits to support their personal and professional well-being, beyond the standard company offered health benefits, including:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Corporate Discounts
• Learning & Development platform, to include certification preparation content
• Training, Education and Certification Assistance*
• Referral Bonus Program
• Internal Mobility Program
• Pet Insurance
• Flexible Work Environment

*Available to full-time employees

Our employees’ unique talents and contributions are the driving force behind our success in supporting our customers, which ultimately fuels the success of our company. Join us and be a part of a culture that invests in its people and prioritizes continuous enhancement of the employee experience.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EOE, including disability/vets.

Posted Pay Range

The posted pay range, if referenced, reflects the range expected for this position at the commencement of employment, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and internal equity. The total compensation package for this position may also include other compensation elements, to be discussed during the hiring process. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the GovCIO reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, GovCIO or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Posted Salary Range