Lead Backend Engineer – Modeling & Simulation

Code Metal

. Lead and grow a high-performing backend and data engineering team while remaining hands-on in the codebase .

Posted 10/3/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in building and operating production backend systems, with strong capabilities in Python programming, API design, and cloud deployment. Proven leadership in mentoring teams, establishing engineering standards, and delivering secure, reliable software in complex environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Python ProgrammingAPI DesignTechnical LeadershipRelational DatabasesCloud Deployment

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Hard Skills

Backend Systems DevelopmentService ArchitectureSQLData ModelingORMsDatabase MigrationObservabilityError HandlingSecurity PracticesIntegration Layers

Soft Skills

Cross-Functional CommunicationMentoringDecision Making

Tools & Technologies

PostgreSQLSQLAlchemyAlembicDjango ORMAWSAzureGCP

Certifications & Qualifications

Active U.S. Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Enterprise SoftwareProduction EnvironmentsCloud Deployment PatternsPrivate-CloudOn-Premises

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureCloudDjangoGoogle Cloud PlatformPostgresPythonSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and grow a high-performing backend and data engineering team while remaining hands-on in the codebase
Define technical direction for backend services, APIs, data systems, and integrations across simulation, AI, frontend, and platform teams
Design, build, and operate secure, reliable Python services, APIs, workers, and integration layers
Translate product, research, and domain requirements into architectures, technical plans, and incrementally deliverable work
Establish engineering standards for API design, service boundaries, testing, observability, error handling, migrations, security, and code review
Build enterprise-grade software for cloud, private-cloud, customer-managed, on-premises, and disconnected environments
Partner with platform and data engineering leaders to ensure systems are deployable, observable, performant, and maintainable
Lead design reviews, RFCs, technical grooming, and technical decisions
Debug and resolve complex issues spanning services, databases, queues, APIs, infrastructure, and third-party integrations
Review code, mentor engineers, and validate AI-assisted code in high-assurance environments
Collaborate with Product, Engineering, and government stakeholders to align platform capabilities with mission needs
Recruit, develop, and scale the backend and data engineering organization; help forecast headcount and technical capacity

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience building and operating production backend systems for enterprise software
Strong Python programming skills and experience designing services, APIs, background workers, and integration layers
Proven technical leadership, including architecture guidance, code review, mentoring, and delivery ownership for a small team
Strong understanding of service architecture, domain modeling, API contracts, system boundaries, and failure modes
Experience with relational databases, preferably PostgreSQL, along with strong SQL and data-modeling fundamentals
Experience with ORMs and database migration frameworks, such as SQLAlchemy, Alembic, Django ORM, or comparable tools
Experience delivering secure, reliable, observable software in production environments
Familiarity with cloud deployment patterns in AWS, Azure, GCP, or similar platforms
Experience supporting private-cloud, on-premises, customer-managed, appliance-style, or disconnected deployments
Ability to make practical decisions around data consistency, reliability, observability, and operational support
Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to turn ambiguous requirements into clear plans and working software
Active U.S. security clearance is strongly preferred
U.S. work authorization may be required for certain project assignments involving security clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health care plan with 100% premium coverage, including medical, dental, and vision
401k with 5% matching
Paid Time Off (uncapped vacation, plus sick and public holidays)
Flexible hybrid or remote work arrangement
Relocation assistance for qualifying employees
Pay strives to be at the upper end of the salary range