Senior Backend Software Engineer

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Algorithms, Modeling, & Assessments (AMA) Division is seeking a highly skilled Backend Software Engineer with strong experience in Java development and containerized applications. This role focuses on designing and building secure, scalable backend services and APIs that will be deployed in Docker containers and orchestrated with Kubernetes (k8s). The ideal candidate is passionate about backend engineering, thrives in an Agile environment, and has a proven track record of delivering production-ready software for distributed systems.

As a valued contributor, you will:

• Design, develop, and maintain RESTful APIs using Jersey (JAX-RS) and other Java frameworks (e.g., Spring Boot, Jakarta EE).
• Containerize applications with Docker and deploy them in Kubernetes environments.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines in GitLab to ensure reliable and secure deployments.
• Optimize services for performance, scalability, and resilience in cloud-native environments.
• Collaborate with frontend engineers, DevOps teams, and product owners to define and deliver solutions.
• Contribute to architecture discussions, code reviews, and best practices for backend development.
• Ensure adherence to security, compliance, and vulnerability management requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. in Computer Science or related field with 8+ years of professional software development experience (or M.S. with 6+ years).
• Strong proficiency in Java with direct experience building APIs using Jersey (JAX-RS).
• Experience with additional backend frameworks such as Spring Boot or Jakarta EE.
• Hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes (deployment, orchestration, scaling).
• Proficiency with GitLab CI/CD pipelines for automated builds, tests, and deployments.
• Proficiency with Git-based workflows and Agile software development practices.
• Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Strong debugging, testing, and problem-solving skills.
• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance. Failure to obtain or maintain clearance will result in termination of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with service mesh technologies (e.g., Istio, Linkerd).
• M.S. in Computer Science or related field with 6+ years of professional software development experience.
• Familiarity with observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack).
• Knowledge of relational and NoSQL databases.
• Experience with container security, CVE management, and DevSecOps practices.
• Knowledge or experience with Rust.
• Current active U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Company & Division Information:

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has more than 2,345 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. We believe in the importance of open and honest communication as well as work/life balance. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company.

To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits

                               ARA is an EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran employer