Job Title: Senior Software Engineer - Backend and Distributed SystemsJob Description
This role focuses on designing and developing high-performance backend services and distributed systems using C# and .NET in Linux server environments. You will architect scalable, secure, and highly available service-oriented systems that power high throughput messaging, device communication, and cloud-connected workloads. The position offers the opportunity to work on complex, real-world challenges within a collaborative team that values creativity, technical excellence, and practical problem solving.
Responsibilities
Design and develop high performance backend services using C# and .NET running in Linux server environments.
Architect and implement scalable service-oriented systems that support high throughput messaging, device communication, and distributed workloads.
Design and build robust network-based services that leverage modern networking patterns and protocols.
Develop and maintain systems that use distributed messaging technologies such as Kafka, MQTT, RabbitMQ, or similar platforms.
Implement secure service architectures, including authentication, authorization, encryption, and secure communication patterns.
Design backend infrastructure with high availability, scalability, observability, and fault tolerance as core principles.
Optimize service performance through asynchronous programming, effective concurrency models, and efficient resource management.
Develop and maintain APIs and service interfaces consumed by internal systems, connected devices, and cloud platforms.
Collaborate with DevOps and infrastructure teams to support deployment pipelines and operational tooling across cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues involving network communication, distributed systems behavior, and production service performance.
Use Git-based workflows and CI/CD pipelines to ensure reliable, repeatable deployments and high-quality code delivery.
Translate high-level platform requirements into clean, maintainable, and scalable service architectures.
Analyze and debug complex distributed system issues involving networking, service interactions, and concurrency problems.
Ensure backend services integrate effectively with infrastructure, networking layers, and dependent systems.
Essential Skills
7+ years of software development experience building backend or distributed systems.
Strong experience developing applications using C# and ASP.NET.
Experience developing and deploying services in Linux server environments.
Deep understanding of TCP/IP networking, socket programming, and network-based service architectures.
Experience implementing secure service architectures, including authentication mechanisms, encryption, and service hardening.
Hands-on experience with distributed messaging platforms such as Kafka, MQTT, RabbitMQ, or similar technologies.
Experience deploying or operating systems within cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Familiarity with Git-based workflows and CI/CD pipelines.
Strong understanding of how backend services interact with infrastructure, networking layers, and dependent systems.
Ability to design scalable architectures that balance performance, reliability, and maintainability.
Proven skill in debugging complex distributed system issues involving networking, service interactions, and concurrency problems.
Ability to translate high-level platform requirements into clean, maintainable service architectures.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience building high throughput or real-time messaging systems.
Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
Experience building IoT platforms or device communication systems.
Experience working in fast-paced, problem-solving, and collaborative engineering environments.
Comfort working with cloud-native tooling and modern DevOps practices.
Work Environment
This position follows a hybrid work schedule, with remote work on Mondays and Fridays and in-office collaboration from Tuesday through Thursday. You will work in a fast-paced, problem-solving, and highly collaborative environment that encourages creativity, open communication, and teamwork. The engineering culture emphasizes modern tooling, including Linux-based servers, cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, distributed messaging technologies like Kafka, MQTT, or RabbitMQ, and containerization solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes where applicable.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Southfield, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $57.00 - $70.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Southfield,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
