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Backend Software Engineer (Go, OpenTDF Platform)

Washington, DC - Remote

About Virtru:

While the rest of the security industry obsesses over locking data down to prevent it from being lost or stolen, we're doing something fundamentally different at Virtru. We're setting data free so that you can intentionally share it with others, but without sacrificing security, privacy, or control.

We've created both a suite of powerful data protection applications and an open platform that's sparking an ecosystem of innovation. Through the Trusted Data Format (TDF) open standard, we're not just protecting data; we're creating a new paradigm where security enables sharing rather than preventing it.

Think of us as the Android of data protection: a robust platform with an open core that developers and partners can build upon, coupled with our own best-in-class applications that showcase what's possible when you reimagine security from the ground up.

Backed by Iconiq Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, Foundry Capital, and Tiger Global, we're helping Fortune 500 companies and government agencies discover that true data security means having the freedom to share, collaborate, and innovate — without compromise.

Compensation: $140,000-190,000/year 

As a Senior Backend Software Engineer you will be reporting to an Engineering Manager. You will be a core contributor to our Go-based backend and the open-source OpenTDF project, building the foundational services that power our entire data security platform. You will also be responsible for managing and maintaining multiple backend systems written in JavaScript and Node.js. This is a hands-on role where you will tackle complex engineering challenges, architecting and implementing solutions that serve a diverse range of enterprise and federal customers.

You will thrive in this role if you are a resilient problem-solver who is comfortable navigating the unique challenges of on-premise, air-gapped, and cloud-native environments. If you are passionate about building robust, secure, and scalable systems and want to make a significant impact on a growing platform, we encourage you to apply.

As a Backend Software Engineer, your responsibilities will include:

  • Design, build, and maintain our core backend platform and services using Go.
  • Manage, maintain, and enhance multiple backend systems and services built with JavaScript and Node.js.
  • Contribute directly to the open-source OpenTDF project, shaping its future and ensuring its success.
  • Tackle complex engineering challenges related to data security, scalability, and distributed systems in a multi-language environment.
  • Engineer solutions for complex enterprise and federal customer deployments, including on-premise and air-gapped environments.
  • Develop and maintain infrastructure as code using tools like Terraform or similar IaC platforms.
  • Collaborate on the architecture and implementation of our multi-language SDKs (Go, Java, JavaScript) to ensure they integrate seamlessly with the backend.
  • Mentor fellow engineers through constructive code reviews, pair programming, design discussions, and knowledge sharing.
  • Develop well-defined written design documents and contribute to a culture of technical excellence.

Skills that will help you thrive in this role:

  • 5+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a significant focus on backend development.
  • Strong proficiency in Go (Golang) and experience building production-grade, scalable services with it.
  • Solid experience with JavaScript and Node.js for backend development, including managing production Node.js services.
  • Experience with both microservice and monolithic architectures, APIs (gRPC, REST), and distributed systems.
  • Solid understanding of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD principles.
  • Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, Pulumi, or similar.
  • A demonstrated ability to independently own complex technical projects from design to deployment.

Nice to have:

  • Deep experience in cryptography, including knowledge of cryptographic primitives, protocols, and secure key management.
  • Deep understanding of identity federation principles beyond just protocol usage (OIDC, SAML), including experience designing or contributing to federated trust systems.
  • Experience architecting for and deploying into complex customer environments, including on-premise, air-gapped, or sovereign clouds.
  • Experience with modern API protocols like ConnectRPC.
  • Familiarity with container standards and runtimes like the Open Container Initiative (OCI).
  • Experience building and maintaining multi-language SDKs.
  • Contributions to open-source projects, especially in the security or data space.
  • Experience with other programming languages like Java, Python, or Rust.
  • Demonstrable experience as an active contributor or maintainer of an established open-source project.

Virtruvian qualities that will set you up for success:

  • Thinking outside of the box to respectfully challenge your teammates and managers in the pursuit of excellence
  • Strong sense of urgency with an action-oriented mindset
  • Able to collaborate and adapt to shifting priorities as business needs evolve
  • Comfortable with asynchronous communication including slack, email, zoom, etc.

 

Perks & Benefits:

At Virtru, we believe people do their best work when their wellbeing is put first. This is why we make your wellbeing our priority with a thoughtful and holistic program that encompasses Occupational, Mental, Social, Physical, and Environmental Wellness by offering benefits such as…

  • A Flexible PTO policy — we strongly encourage you to take time off (in addition to 14 holidays) to ensure that you are getting the proper time needed to unplug and recharge. 
  • A $1,500 annual Learning & Development Stipend focused on providing you the resources to continually learn and professionally grow.
  • Frequent company-sponsored team celebrations that provide ample opportunities to connect with teammates and be social!
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to Headspace, a mental health app tailored to your specific needs.
  • A flat 3% contribution to your retirement account
  • A high degree of flexibility — Have an appointment, errand, or family emergency to take care of? Hop to it! We give you the time and space to take care of you and your own first.

 

In addition to wellbeing, Virtru places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our DE&I Council is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace and making the psychological safety of each and every one of our teammates a top priority. 

 

Additional perks include: 

  • Competitive compensation
  • Generous parental, medical, and bereavement policies
  • 401K contribution and stock options
  • Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • New Hire Swag and IT Welcome boxes
  • Structured semi-annual 360° performance reviews

 

Virtru is committed to building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and everyone is encouraged to apply. Virtru is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.

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