senior backend engineer (distributed systems).

job summary:
Randstad is seeking a high-caliber Senior Backend Engineer to join a premier client in Washington, DC. In this role, you will be a key architect of the future, designing and maintaining complex, high-throughput web applications within a sophisticated distributed systems environment. You will bridge the gap between application logic and cloud infrastructure, leveraging your deep expertise in Java, Kafka, and AWS to build resilient, event-driven solutions. Working at the intersection of product vision and technical excellence, you will collaborate with Architects and Product Owners to translate complex enterprise requirements into scalable, high-performance backend systems that set the standard for code quality and data integrity.

 
 
location: Washington, Washington, D.C.
job type: Contract
salary: $60 - 65 per hour
work hours: 9am to 5pm
education: Bachelors
 
responsibilities:
System Design & Maintenance: Architect, build, and optimize complex distributed web applications with a focus on high-performance backend development.

Event-Driven Architecture: Perform Kafka configuration and administration, ensuring seamless data streaming and messaging across the enterprise.

Data Modeling: Create and maintain sophisticated data models to organize complex data sources while ensuring absolute data integrity.

Technical Leadership: Conduct rigorous code reviews, mentor junior team members, and champion best practices for clean, maintainable Java code.

Cloud Operations: Design and deploy scalable solutions using a wide array of AWS technologies, including Lambda, S3, EC2, and CloudFormation.

Collaborative Strategy: Partner with Product Owners to break down requirements and work closely with Architects to ensure all development aligns with the overarching solution design.

Continuous Improvement: Drive CI/CD maturity using Jenkins, Git, and JIRA within an Agile Scrum framework to ensure rapid, high-quality delivery.

 
qualifications:
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Java Expertise: 8+ years of professional experience in Java programming, specifically at a senior or lead level.

Kafka & Streaming: 3+ years of hands-on experience with Kafka; proficiency in data-streaming platforms and event-driven design is required.

AWS Proficiency: Extensive experience with the AWS ecosystem, including Kinesis, DynamoDB/Aurora, Redshift, API Gateway, and server-side NodeJs.

Full-Stack Familiarity: Strong hands-on development experience with Angular, J2EE, Spring, and REST APIs.

Database Mastery: Solid experience in SQL, data modeling, and designing complex relational and non-relational databases.

DevOps Mindset: Expertise in CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment tools in an agile environment.

Communication: Excellent analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.


Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.