Sr. Backend Engineer

The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) leads the State in the creation and implementation of information technology solutions that improve IT infrastructure and government services and keep Maryland current within IT industry trends.

This position will help drive strategy and execution of core projects and defining the engagement model and services for the Maryland Digital Service. We use data and modern research, design, and development methods to inform our decision making, and we collaborate with stakeholders within and outside of government to understand and solve challenges.

Maryland is an incredible place to build a career. As an employer, the Department of IT values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work. We offer a collaborative work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and impactful real world challenges to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Maryland, start here.

As a Senior Backend Engineer with the Maryland Digital Service under the Department of Information Technology, you will tackle statewide engineering challenges, shape the technical direction of our digital services, and support the growth and development of the engineering team. You will assist state agencies in adopting new backend technologies and overcoming significant digital challenges. You will lead efforts to develop secure backend systems and incorporate modern development practices into government operations. You will navigate and help update policies and regulations to modernize the State’s digital service delivery.

You will work with frontend engineers and product managers to develop scalable systems and APIs for other systems to access data in a secure way. You will collaborate with platform owners and state agencies to understand their needs and constraints, developing strategies to optimize backend solutions and state resources.

Additionally, you will play a critical role in building secure, efficient, and scalable software that can handle hundreds of thousands of users and large datasets. You will leverage best practices in continuous integration and delivery, automated testing, and infrastructure as code to ensure high-quality and resilient backend services. Your contributions will be vital in enhancing digital experiences for Marylanders and advancing the state’s digital capabilities.

The incumbent for this position needs to have strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail as well as excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

***This is a management service position which serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority***

Backend Development

Write clean, scalable, and efficient code in modern backend languages such as Python, Go, and Node.js or equivalent object oriented languages.

Design and manage databases using SQL and NoSQL technologies.

Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines, automate testing and deployment processes into cloud and on-premise servers.

Develop and maintain APIs for communication between services and systems.

Troubleshoot and debug backend systems, optimize performance, and ensure compliance with industry security standards.

Building reusable code libraries for future use.

Project Management and Collaboration

Participate in project management planning, including timelines, cost, and resource allocation.

Collaborate with designers, frontend engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to translate customer needs into technical specifications.

Work with IT and cloud engineers to ensure efficient resource utilization.

Conduct code reviews and formal requirements gathering as needed.

Customer Support and Engagement

Provide technical support to customers and resolve their issues.

Engage with customers to understand their needs and improve products.

Technical Documentation

Write and maintain comprehensive technical documentation.

Create user manuals, guides, and architecture diagrams for end-users and developers.

Document system architecture and design decisions.

Develop and document best engineering practices.

Review and update policies and standards relevant to engineering

Experience:  Three years of relevant experience in backend engineering, which includes proficiency in backend programming languages and frameworks such as Python, Go, or Node.js., experience with SQL and NoSQL database management, knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and deployment processes and a strong understanding of API development and system architecture.

Preference will be given to candidates who have the following:

Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

Working experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools like CloudFormation or Terraform.

Previous experience in a government or public sector environment.  

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your resume to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.