Senior Python Backend Engineer

We are looking for Senior Python Backend Engineer for our client in Atlanta, GA.

Job Title: Senior Python Backend Engineer

Job Location: Atlanta, GA

Job Type: Contract

Job Overview:

Requirement/Must Have:

• 8-10 years of professional software development experience, with strong recent focus on backend engineering.
• Strong proficiency in Python and backend development using Flask.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining REST APIs in production.
• Solid experience with SQLAlchemy (ORM, relationships, transactions, session management, performance considerations).
• Strong hands-on expertise in MS SQL Server and database development (schema design, complex queries, tuning).
• Proven experience implementing secure authentication/authorization.
• Strong testing mindset with hands-on experience in Pytest.
• Working experience with Docker for development and deployment.
• Strong debugging, performance tuning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain backend services using Python and Flask.
• Build and evolve RESTful APIs (versioning, pagination, error handling, performance, documentation).
• Develop and optimize data models and persistence layers using SQLAlchemy.
• Lead database development on MS SQL Server: schema design, stored procedures (if applicable), indexing, query optimization, performance tuning, and data migrations.
• Implement and maintain authentication/authorization mechanisms (e.g., JWT/OAuth2/session-based auth), including secure token handling and role-based access.
• Containerize services and streamline deployments using Docker (Dockerfiles, Compose, image optimization).
• Create and maintain automated tests using Pytest (unit, integration, contract/API tests), ensuring strong coverage and reliability.
• Contribute to automation frameworks and end-to-end testing using Playwright (UI and/or API flows).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product, QA, DevOps) to deliver high-quality releases.
• Participate in code reviews, enforce engineering best practices, and mentor junior engineers.
• Troubleshoot production issues, perform root-cause analysis, and drive continuous improvements in stability and performance.
• Contribute to services or integrations written in Java as needed (maintenance, enhancements, interoperability).

Nice to Have:

• Experience with Java services (e.g., microservices, integrations, maintenance).
• Hands-on automation experience using Playwright (end-to-end testing, test stability, CI integration).