Senior Software Developer

WHO WE ARE

Chess Solutions, LLC is a Virginia-based software development company that specializes in building digital vetting solutions. We work collaboratively with a number of clients to develop tools to facilitate client goals and mission objectives. In conjunction with our parent company, Presage Technologies, we integrate state-of-the-art, vision-based physiological analysis tools and digital media forensic tools into robust software platforms. Our goal is to provide our clients with the most accurate digital vetting and analysis tools possible in an easy-to-use, modern software experience.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a Senior Software Developer at Chess Solutions LLC, you will play a critical role in designing and building the applications and components that power our web and desktop applications. Your work will directly impact how our clients interact with mission-critical systems, supporting them in solving complex, real-world problems with innovative technology. If you’re a backend expert who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, this role is for you.

You will be responsible for designing and implementing scalable, high-performance applications and systems across multiple products. You have experience designing and building large microsystems architectures. You are fluent in Python, proficient in C , and experienced with asynchronous task processing frameworks like Celery. You have a strong understanding of API design, data modeling, system architecture, and database management. You are a clear communicator and thoughtful planner. You know how to scope and estimate your time, work independently, and surface risks and dependencies early. You collaborate well with frontend engineers, product managers, systems engineers, and other stakeholders to translate customer needs into backend solutions. You are a diligent debugger and default to checking your part of the stack first when things go wrong – and expect the same from your teammates. You are exceptional at writing unit tests and value testing, automation, and reliability.

You write clear, useful documentation throughout the development lifecycle. You plan with intent, sharing architecture and implementation details early to invite feedback and improve outcomes. You understand the importance of different types of documentation, including internal developer docs, API references, compliance and security documentation, and integration guides for external teams.

This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of working in office or collaborating with customers/teammates in Northern Virginia (Leesburg, VA). Work will primarily be remote, but you will be available for in person meetings 4-5 times per quarter.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and Architect: Develop robust backend architectures and system designs, including API specifications, data models, and task workflows to support scalable and maintainable web and desktop applications.
• Build Scalable Services: Implement high-performance backend services and APIs that handle complex data processing, background tasks, and real-time system interactions.
• Optimize for Performance: Optimize systems for speed and efficiency, minimizing latency and ensuring reliability under high-load scenarios, especially in asynchronous environments.
• Troubleshoot and Solve Problems: Investigate and resolve bugs, performance bottlenecks, and system failures, working with your team to implement durable solutions.
• Manage Asynchronous Workflows: Use Celery and message brokers (e.g. Redis or RabbitMQ) to build and maintain robust background job queues that support distributed task processing.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with frontend developers, DevOps engineers, and product managers to integrate systems, deliver features, and support end-to-end application functionality.

WHO YOU ARE

You are a self-driven and innovative developer with a passion for building robust, scalable backend systems and delivering high-quality solutions. You thrive in a fast-paced startup environment and are excited about tackling complex technical challenges. You bring strong expertise in backend development and collaborate effectively across teams to deliver end-to-end functionality that powers user-facing applications.

To succeed in this role, you should have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• At least 5 years of professional experience working as a Software Developer.
• Expert in Python and proficient in C
• Experience using web frameworks such as Django, FastAPI, or Flask
• Experience with Celery and other task queue libraries and systems
• Proficiency with NoSQL (MongoDB, DynamoDB) databases, SQL databases (Postgresql, MySQL), and Redis
• Solid understanding of asynchronous programming, distributed systems, and microservices architecture and applications.
• Experience with utilizing and implementing containerization tools such as Docker
• Experience deploying backend systems in cloud environments (AWS preferred)
• Experience with api gateway libraries (Kong, AWS API Gateway)
• Excellent problem solving, debugging, and communication skills.
• A strong commitment to writing clean, testable, well-documented code and contributing to team knowledge through code reviews and mentorship.
• Familiarity with monitoring and logging tools to ensure backend system health and performance (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack).
• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment, including sprint planning, retrospectives, and continuous integration.
• Experience working with event-driven architectures or integrating with external systems via webhooks is a plus.
• Eligibility for a U.S. Top Secret Clearance is required. Candidates with an existing, current clearance will be given preference.

If you're driven by the challenge of tackling deepfake threats and passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology, we encourage you to apply for the Senior Backend Developer role at Chess Solutions LLC. Join our innovative and collaborative team, where you'll work on real-world problems, grow alongside experts in media forensics, and contribute to a mission with global impact!

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Phase 1: Submit a Resume
• Phase 2: Downselection for Introductory Interview with Operations Leadership with Q&A
• Phase 3: Downselection for Senior Frontend Developer Background Interview
• Phase 4: Downselection for Senior Frontend Developer Performance Task
• Phase 5: Negotiations and Offer
• Timeline: The entire process can occur in less than two weeks for the right candidate.

Salary Range

$105,000 - $165,000 per year