About the role
This role is part of a new boarding party supporting the Department of Veteran Affairs focused on getting Veterans the benefits they earned faster and more efficiently.
Specifically targeting the following initiatives:
- Increasing the speed in which Veteran’s benefits claims are processed.
- Streamline digital processes and reduce complexity for end users.
- Incorporate innovative technologies that improve the overall performance of VA’s systems.
- Reduce bureaucracy and inefficiency wherever it is found.
What you'll do
- Ship It: Write code, solve problems, deliver results. If you are confident in your ability and skills, you can stop reading here and apply.
- Design, build, and maintain backend services in Ruby, leveraging Sidekiq for background job processing, and ensure features are delivered with reliability and speed.
- Ship It: Own the design, build, and maintenance of backend services in Ruby (with Sidekiq) and ensure features are delivered reliably and on time.
- Data & Cache Magic: Work with Postgres for modeling and optimizing data, and use Redis for caching and job queues to keep systems fast and efficient.
- Bridge the Gap: Collaborate across teams to connect backend logic with user-facing features, integrate with some Java components, and deliver end-to-end solutions.
- Raise the Bar: Write maintainable, well-tested, and secure code. Contribute to code reviews, system design, and monitoring practices that keep production stable and scalable.
- Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: Work closely with data scientists, analysts, software engineers, and product managers to support business needs and ensure robust and scalable applications are available.
- End-to-End Development. API Integration. Database Management. Server Architecture. Performance Monitoring and Optimization: No explanation of these terms should be needed.
- Help the Crew: Collaborate with other developers, performing code reviews, and mentor team members. Contribute to documentation and knowledge sharing across the team.
- Problem Solving: Identify and resolve technical issues related to our backend systems.
- Staying Updated: Keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in backend development.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience)
- 5-7 years of professional backend engineering experience.
- Strong proficiency in Ruby, with experience using Sidekiq for background job processing.
- Solid experience with Postgres (data modeling, query optimization, migrations).
- Experience working with Redis for caching and job queues.
- Exposure to Java and ability to support legacy integrations when required.
- Familiarity with modern software development practices (CI/CD, Git, testing frameworks).
- Understanding of secure coding practices and experience working with compliance-sensitive projects a plus.
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
- Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills—comfortable working in cross-functional teams.
- Must be able to obtain a Public Trust security clearance from the U.S. Government.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Unconventional and Dynamic: A willingness to challenge the status quo and think outside the box.
- Knowledgeable and Authoritative: Deep expertise in your field, balanced with humility.
- Experience with government, healthcare, or other compliance-driven projects.