Job description

Job Title: Senior Software Development Engineer – Go / Backend Services Location: McLean, VA (Hybrid – 3 days on-site per week) Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff — No C2C or 1099) About the Opportunity: ZipStaff is seeking an experienced Senior Software Development Engineer to support internal backend development for a global technology consulting and professional services firm. This role focuses on building and supporting production backend services, with a strong emphasis on Go (Golang). You will develop REST API services, deploy to AWS in production environments, and leverage AI tools as part of the development workflow. The engagement is hybrid (3 days per week on-site in McLean, VA), does not require a clearance, and is expected to start as a 6-month contract with strong potential for extension. All work is internal development. What You’ll Do: • Design, develop, test, and maintain backend services, including REST API services, primarily using Go. • Build and deploy services to AWS in production environments. • Use AI tools to support development, code quality, and productivity. • Contribute to internal software projects with ownership across design, implementation, and production support. • Collaborate with engineering teams on coding, design, and technical discussions. • Participate in code reviews and follow engineering best practices for scalable, reliable services. • Support the full development lifecycle for internal applications and platforms. Required Qualifications: • 5+ years of professional software engineering experience developing backend services. • 3+ years of hands-on experience building REST API services in Go (preferred) or Java/C# with the ability to ramp quickly on Go. • Proven experience building services and deploying them to AWS in production environments. • Experience using AI tools for software development. • Strong understanding of backend architecture, API design, and production-grade service development. • Ability to work hybrid in McLean, VA (3 days on-site per week). • Ability to contribute effectively in a coding-focused interview process (coding round followed by design/behavior). Preferred Qualifications: • Deep, current hands-on experience with Go for production backend services. • Prior experience on internal platform or enterprise software development teams. • Background supporting services in a consulting or professional services environment. • Experience with additional AWS services beyond basic deployment. Benefits: • Health Insurance. • Dental Insurance. • Vision Insurance. • 401(k) + 401(k) matching. • Paid time off. • Referral Program. About ZipStaff ZipStaff partners with leading organizations to connect skilled technology professionals with high-impact contract opportunities. We focus on quality matches, clear communication, and long-term success for candidates and clients. To apply, submit your resume highlighting your backend service development experience (especially Go), REST APIs, AWS production deployments, and use of AI development tools. Pure research or junior experience will not be considered. No clearance is required. Pay: $72 - $75 per hour

Requirements

Must-haves

Job Title: Senior Software Development Engineer – Go / Backend Services
Location: McLean, VA (Hybrid – 3 days on-site per week)
Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff — No C2C or 1099)
Design, develop, test, and maintain backend services, including REST API services, primarily using Go.
Build and deploy services to AWS in production environments.
Use AI tools to support development, code quality, and productivity.
Contribute to internal software projects with ownership across design, implementation, and production support.
Collaborate with engineering teams on coding, design, and technical discussions.
Participate in code reviews and follow engineering best practices for scalable, reliable services.
Support the full development lifecycle for internal applications and platforms.
5+ years of professional software engineering experience developing backend services.
Proven experience building services and deploying them to AWS in production environments.
Experience using AI tools for software development.
Strong understanding of backend architecture, API design, and production-grade service development.
Ability to work hybrid in McLean, VA (3 days on-site per week).
Ability to contribute effectively in a coding-focused interview process (coding round followed by design/behavior).

Nice-to-haves

3+ years of hands-on experience building REST API services in Go (preferred) or Java/C# with the ability to ramp quickly on Go.
Deep, current hands-on experience with Go for production backend services.
Prior experience on internal platform or enterprise software development teams.
Background supporting services in a consulting or professional services environment.
Experience with additional AWS services beyond basic deployment.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

gogolangrestapiawsaijava

Platform: betterteam
Effort: medium

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Health Insurance

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Paid Time Off