Sr Backend Developer

- Position: Sr Backend Developer (Python)
- Location: New York, NY (preferred) or Dallas, TX (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
- Duration: Ongoing contract
- Interview Process: 2 technical rounds + 1 manager round
- References: Two managerial references required
- LinkedIn: Strong professional presence required (no low-connection profiles)

Key Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and maintain high-performance backend web applications
- Build and support production applications as an individual contributor
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new features
- Ensure seamless integration of front-end and back-end components
- Develop RESTful APIs using Python (FastAPI, Pydantic, SQLAlchemy/SQLModel)
- Optimize and manage SQL database operations
- Integrate and deploy solutions on Azure cloud (including Azure Functions, Logic Apps, Key Vault)
- Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines and DevOps processes (Azure DevOps)
- Incorporate AI functionalities using libraries/frameworks like OpenAI, LangChain, LangGraph, Anthropic APIs (highly preferred)
- Integrate Databricks and Azure OpenAI (nice to have)
- Apply basic front-end skills (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript) for AI-driven web interfaces (Streamlit, Plotly Dash)
- Utilize version control systems (Git, Azure DevOps)

Required Experience & Skills:
- 8-10+ years of software engineering experience
- Strong hands-on Python development background
- Extensive experience with FastAPI, REST API development
- Excellent SQL/database skills
- Solid Azure/cloud experience
- Proven DevOps/CI-CD implementation skills
- Experience building, deploying, and supporting production applications
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently and own deliverables

Highly Preferred (Bonus):
- AI framework/library experience (OpenAI, LangChain, LangGraph, Anthropic APIs)
- Azure OpenAI and Databricks experience
- Experience developing AI-powered applications

Educational Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience

Other Requirements:
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Must have strong professional references and a credible online presence (e.g., LinkedIn)
- No fake resumes; genuine, senior-level candidates only