Overview:
GovCIO is seeking a Ruby on Rails Backend Developer to design, build, and maintain backend services for VA.gov. This role is primarily focused on Ruby/Rails backend engineering, API development, system reliability, and integration work. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and contribute to AI-enabled enhancements where they provide clear user value.
This is a fully remote position open to candidates within the Continental United States (CONUS).
Responsibilities:
Backend Development
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Build and maintain backend components using Ruby on Rails, JSON controllers, Sidekiq, and other server-side tools.
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Develop and optimize RESTful APIs and backend integrations.
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Ensure performance, reliability, security, and compliance across all backend services.
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Conduct system analysis to clarify requirements, data flows, program intent, and technical constraints.
AI-Enabled Enhancements
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Integrate AI capabilities into existing workflows with proper safeguards, observability, and monitoring.
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Support operationalizing AI solutions within AWS, including Amazon Bedrock (model selection, latency, IAM, cost management, and logging).
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Contribute to RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) implementation, including embedding strategy, vector search, relevance tuning, and guardrails.
Collaboration & Delivery
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Work closely with developers, product teams, and platform partners to deliver features for veteran-facing services.
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Participate in Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, and code reviews.
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Assist in defining system requirements, creating user stories, and estimating project timelines.
Quality, Documentation & Testing
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Prepare documentation such as reports, operational procedures, and maintenance manuals.
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Participate in integration testing and ensure seamless system functionality.
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Maintain proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders.
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Ensure all deliverables meet contract, quality, and security standards.
Qualifications:
Required Skills and Experience
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Bachelor's (or commensurate experience)
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5–8 years of professional software development experience.
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Proven experience developing with Ruby on Rails and managing backend systems.
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Strong analytical skills and experience with RSpec.
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Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
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Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
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Knowledge of the software development lifecycle and version-control/project tools (Jira, GitHub, Confluence, etc.).
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AI integration experience (LLM-powered workflows, agents, automations).
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RAG experience (chunking, embeddings, vector search, relevance evaluation).
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MCP (Model Context Protocol) or equivalent tool/agent integration experience.
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AWS Bedrock experience (model operations, prompt management, security, monitoring).
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Must be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Clearance Required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Suitability/Public Trust
Preferred Skills and Experience
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Experience working with the VA or other federal agencies.
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Familiarity with VA.gov, its ecosystem, and federal processes.
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Experience with government cloud hosting.
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Expertise in managing APIs within VA networks.
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Experience with systems such as CorpDB, MPI, BDN, VBMS.
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Experience deploying AI features in privacy/compliance-heavy environments (PII handling, redaction, rate limiting, incident response).
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Exposure to modernization or replatforming efforts.
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General awareness of responsible automation and VA modernization priorities, including emerging AI‑supported development tools.
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Interest in learning or leveraging modern development accelerators, including AI‑assisted tooling where appropriate.
Posted Salary Range: USD $90,000.00 - USD $100,000.00 /Yr.
