Backend Software Engineer (API, SQL)

About The Company
Aquila, a distinguished group within Constellation Software Inc., invests in category-defining B2B and B2G software businesses globally. Since 2008, Emphasys Software has been a vital part of Aquila, operating across five specialized divisions to deliver mission-critical software solutions. Emphasys is dedicated to modernizing and streamlining complex processes for housing authorities, lenders, and government agencies across nearly every state. Our core focus is on providing innovative software that supports affordable housing initiatives, enabling organizations to administer programs efficiently, track funding, ensure compliance, and empower families to access affordable homeownership or rental options. Emphasys HFA, a division of Emphasys, stands out as the only end-to-end financial software in the United States exclusively dedicated to affordable housing, making a tangible impact on communities nationwide.
About The Role
We are seeking a talented Backend Software Engineer to join our dynamic team, reporting directly to the Product Line Manager for Emphasys Housing Locator. This full-time, fully remote position within the US offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the evolution and modernization of our core platform. Your primary focus will be enhancing existing systems to improve performance, maintainability, and scalability. You will work within an on-premises environment, gaining a comprehensive understanding of current architecture and business logic, while collaborating closely with cloud engineering teams as we transition towards Microsoft Azure-based infrastructure. This role is pivotal in supporting our ongoing platform modernization efforts, including transforming legacy Python applications into modern, cloud-ready solutions using FastAPI and other contemporary technologies.
Qualifications

• Proven experience designing and developing production-grade backend web applications and services.
• Strong proficiency in Python, with hands-on experience using frameworks such as FastAPI or similar.
• Deep understanding of RESTful API design and best practices for scalable, maintainable architecture.
• Extensive experience working with relational databases, particularly PostgreSQL, including schema design, complex queries, and performance tuning.
• Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, including deployment, troubleshooting, and scripting.
• Experience with Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and deployment processes.
• Knowledge of geospatial data and spatial databases such as PostGIS, including location-based queries and indexing strategies.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Azure services, cloud migration processes, and containerization technologies.
• Understanding of secure coding practices, authentication and authorization mechanisms such as OAuth2 and RBAC.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and document technical processes clearly.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities and creativity in debugging and system optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain scalable backend services and RESTful APIs using modern Python frameworks like FastAPI.
• Architect and implement REST integrations between backend and frontend systems, adhering to best practices.
• Optimize PostgreSQL schemas and develop efficient SQL queries to support reliable data persistence.
• Support and enhance applications operating in on-premises and hybrid environments, contributing to legacy system modernization efforts.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Frontend Engineers, and Cloud/DevOps teams to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Participate in code reviews, uphold engineering standards, and support deployment, monitoring, and cloud migration initiatives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve application and system issues across Linux-based environments, ensuring performance, security, and scalability.
• Establish and maintain automated testing frameworks and CI/CD pipelines to support continuous integration and deployment.
• Create and maintain technical documentation related to backend architecture, integrations, and operational procedures.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge modernization projects and gain experience with cloud technologies.
• Impactful work supporting affordable housing initiatives and community development.
• Collaborative and inclusive team environment that values initiative, ownership, and professional growth.
• Potential for career advancement into senior or leadership roles as the platform evolves.
• Flexible remote working arrangement within the US, supporting work-life balance.

Equal Opportunity
Aquila and Emphasys Software are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. We believe that a diverse team enhances our ability to innovate and serve our communities effectively. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates with disabilities during the application and interview process.