Backend Developer SME

St. Louis, MO

Freedom Technology Solutions Group is seeking a Software Engineer (Backend Developer) to support our client’s intelligence analysis products and capabilities. This position involves providing software development capabilities to enhance existing and emerging client capabilities, including design and development, modernization of existing applications and services, and operations and sustainment. The role focuses on driving the client’s adaptation of higher levels of automation and operational efficiency through agile development methodologies, rapid prototyping, and modern technology stacks.

The SME Backend Developer provides technical and management leadership for major backend and geospatial technology initiatives. Serves as a domain expert, directs client-facing activities, and has overall responsibility for strategy, execution, and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Define enterprise-level backend architecture strategies and modernization roadmaps.
• Provide technical leadership on geospatial platform development and integration.
• Oversee development, operations, and sustainment of backend systems across cloud, hybrid, and data center environments.
• Participate in and enforce DevSecOps standards, CI/CD practices, and engineering governance
• Interface with senior client leadership, negotiate requirements, and drive technical consensus.
• Ensure alignment of technology execution with client mission objectives.
• Serve as a thought leader in backend, cloud, and geospatial communities.

Key Technologies

• Backend development (Python, Node.js, Java, or similar)
• AWS services (S3, Lambda, SQS, SNS, ECS, ECR, IAM)
• Event-driven and serverless architectures
• API development and integration patterns
• Containerization (Docker/Podman) and container registries
• Data pipelines and metrics generation for dashboards and operational visibility
• CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI/CD or similar)
• Large-scale data transfer, processing, and orchestration
• Logging, monitoring, and distributed system debugging
• Secure development practices (IAM, ABAC, FGAC, least privilege access)
• Ability to work in Agile environments and collaborate across technical and mission teams

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance (eligible for CI Poly).
• 14+ years of backend software development experience with demonstrated technical leadership
• Expertise in modern cloud-native development using languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript
• Extensive experience with DevSecOps frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and Agile/SAFe methodologies
• Proven experience designing and delivering scalable, distributed backend systems
• Experience leading large-scale technical efforts, including architecture, staffing, and execution
• Strong client engagement skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Experience using GitLab for source control and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience developing custom code, scripts, and services for complex data processing and integration

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working directly with clients to define requirements and develop user stories
• Experience with geospatial systems, imagery products (e.g., SAR/RADAR), or GEOINT workflows
• Experience developing or integrating GIS platforms and geospatial data formats
• Familiarity with geospatial tools and platforms (PostGIS, Oracle Spatial ArcGIS SocketGXP etc.)
• Experience implementing standards-based APIs (e.g., OGC standards (WFS, STAC, WMS)
• Experience with data analytics, visualization pipelines, or metrics-driven platforms
• Experience developing automated processing or detection algorithms
• Experience with workflow orchestration tools (e.g., Argo Workflows)