Backend Developer

Description:

We are seeking a Senior Backend Developer to lead the architecture and implementation of a GIS-oriented, distributed backend system. The system is currently in a Proof-of-Concept phase, with a clear trajectory toward a production-grade, mission-capable solution. 

This role is hands-on and design-heavy, focusing on building clean, extensible foundations for a microservices-based system that integrates real-time sensor data, geospatial processing, and a COTS GIS platform. 

You will define core architectural decisions that enable rapid iteration today while avoiding costly redesigns later. 

Key Responsibilities 

Architecture & Technical Leadership 

• Design the backend architecture using modern .NET (C#), ensuring scalability from POC to production.  
• Define microservices boundaries, service contracts, and data ownership models.  
• Lead the design of the inter-service communication layer, evaluating and selecting messaging/communication patterns based on latency, reliability, and deployment constraints. 

Backend Development 

• Implement core services for ingesting and processing sensor-driven data streams (e.g., radar inputs).  
• Design APIs and internal messaging patterns supporting low-latency and near-real-time workflows.  
• Build services that integrate spatial and non-spatial data using PostgreSQL and PostGIS.  
• Ensure performance is sufficient for real-time visualization without over-engineering early-stage components.  

GIS & System Integration 

• Integrate backend services with GIS map servers (e.g., Carmenta Map Server, LuciadFusion, Cesium ion).  
• Collaborate with frontend developers using Angular, OpenLayers, and CesiumJS.  

Infrastructure & Deployment 

• Define containerization and deployment workflows using Docker / Podman (Compose-based, no Kubernetes).  
• Design for on-premise constraints, including limited scalability and intermittent network reliability.  
• Introduce lightweight observability (logging, metrics), with a path to production-grade monitoring.  

Reliability & Security 

• Design secure service communication and basic identity/access mechanisms. 

Required Qualifications 

• 7+ years of backend development experience with strong hands-on coding.  
• Deep expertise in C# and .NET.  
• Proven experience designing distributed or microservices-based systems.  
• Strong knowledge of designing architectural solutions in a microservices environment.  
• Experience with real-time or streaming data systems.  
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals and performance considerations.  
• Experience with PostgreSQL (and preferably PostGIS).  
• Hands-on experience with containerization tools such as Docker or Podman.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with inter-service communication frameworks (e.g., RTI Connext DDS, RabbitMQ, NATS) 
• Full-stack development experience (e.g., .NET backend with Angular or React-based frontend).  
• Familiarity with GIS systems or geospatial data processing.  
• Experience with non-relational databases such as MongoDB.  
• Familiarity with in-memory and search technologies such as Redis and Elasticsearch.  
• Experience working in on-premises or edge environments.  
• Familiarity with authentication and authorization systems.