Senior Backend Developer

Position Description:

Sprezzatura seeks a Senior Backend Developer to join our growing team.  The developer will be responsible for working with business analysts, software architects, and others to help design a solution to reduce, or eliminate, the use of social security numbers within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) systems.  The reduction will help provide a more secure environment for our veterans needing support from the VA.

Roles/Responsibilities:

• Backend Development Expertise:
  • Proficiency in Ruby and Ruby on Rails for developing robust backend systems.
  • Experience with JSON controllers for handling data interchange formats.
  • Knowledge of Sidekiq for background job processing, including exhaustion monitoring.
• Data Privacy and Security Compliance:
  • Understanding of NIST 800-53 Rev5 guidelines for security and privacy controls.
  • Familiarity with VA Handbooks and Directives, specifically VA Directive 6507 on reducing SSN usage.
  • Ability to implement secure database integrations and ensure adherence to data privacy standards.
• Leadership and Team Management:
  • Experience leading and guiding cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to mentor team members and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Proficiency in Agile Methodology and Scrum Processes for efficient project management.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:
  • Strong analytical skills to conduct system analysis and optimize performance.
  • Experience with RSpec for unit testing and ensuring code quality.
  • Ability to address questions regarding program intentions, output specifications, and data input requirements.
• DevOps and Cloud Computing:
  • Familiarity with DevOps tools and practices.
  • Experience with AWS (Amazon Web Services), specifically in government cloud hosting environments.
  • Knowledge of web hosting environments and system integrations.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Ability to oversee adherence to software compliance and testing standards.
  • Experience preparing comprehensive documentation, including reports and operational procedures.
  • Knowledge of code versioning and project management tools like Git, Jira, and Confluence.

Skills & Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in math, statistics, computer science, or equivalent technical field
• 5+ years’ experience in developing software.

• Skills and experience conveying technical information to non-technical audiences
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Experience working in a remote work environment. 
• Proactive in addressing project issues and ensuring alignment across teams. 

Additional Preferred Skills: 

• Proficiency with tools like Power BI for data analytics and reporting. 
• Experience working with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other federal agencies. 
• Understanding of federal processes, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with systems like CorpDB, MPI (Master Patient Index), BDN (Benefits Delivery Network), and VBMS (Veterans Benefits Management System). 

Programming Languages and Technologies:

• Ruby, Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, JSON, Sidekiq, Swagger, Git, RSpec, AWS (Amazon Web Services), RESTful APIs.

Other Requirements:

• Location: Remote
• Veteran Preference: Yes
• Citizenship/Security: Citizen/Green Card. Must be able to hold a federal security clearance.

Transitioning military and/or Veterans with IT/IS, finance, and/or healthcare systems specialties are invited to apply. Sprezzatura is an equal opportunity employer and offers benefits including healthcare, vacation, and paid sick leave.

Company Description

Sprezzatura Management Consulting, LLC (www.sprezzmc.com) is a Washington, DC-area Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that enables transformation by supplying insight and leadership at the intersection of people, processes, and technology. We apply knowledge, project, and life cycle management best practices to catalyze change.