Lead Python Developer

***NOTE: This role is not Open to 3rd Party Assistance or C2C***Job Title: Lead API & Python EngineerLocation: Predominantly remote, aside from 1-2 days/month in office in either Colorado or Wisconsin.Salary Range: 6 month contract to hire. Target Pay in the $75-80/hr range, along with a conversion target around 140k. Potential flex on both of these rates.Job Type: Job Summary:We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Engineering Team Lead to drive the design, development, and evolution of our core API and integration platforms. This role requires a strong technical background in backend software engineering (Python specifically), API architecture, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will be passionate about building scalable, secure, and maintainable systems while mentoring engineers and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver high-quality solutions.As an Engineering Team Lead, you will partner closely with Product Managers, Designers, Data Engineers, and other stakeholders to develop APIs and integration capabilities that support both internal and external customers.You will play a key role in defining technical strategy, establishing engineering best practices, and ensuring the successful delivery of critical platform initiatives.This is a highly collaborative, hands-on leadership role that combines technical execution with people leadership.Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and drive the technical strategy for the API platform, ensuring systems remain scalable, flexible, and maintainableLead the architecture, development, and enhancement of core API services, security models, and integration frameworksDesign and implement robust, high-performance RESTful APIs and event-driven integration solutionsProvide hands-on technical leadership, including coding, code reviews, troubleshooting, and architectural guidanceManage and mentor a small team of engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvementEstablish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and development processesPartner with cross-functional stakeholders to gather requirements and deliver scalable technical solutionsCollaborate closely with Product, Delivery, and Data teams to align technical solutions with business objectivesDrive improvements in CI/CD pipelines, observability, monitoring, and deployment practicesStay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and software engineering best practicesQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field8+ years of professional backend software development experience (Python specifically), including public-facing APIs2+ years of experience leading or managing engineering teams. Ideally offshore teams.Strong experience with AWS services, including API Gateway, Lambda, and serverless architecturesAdvanced proficiency in Python and modern backend development frameworksDeep understanding of RESTful API design, scalability, security, and performance optimizationExperience designing and implementing microservices and event-driven architectures such as webhooksStrong SQL and database design experience, including optimization and performance tuningExperience with observability and monitoring tools such as Datadog, New Relic, or similar platformsSolid understanding of CI/CD methodologies and pipeline developmentExperience working within Agile software development environmentsStrong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skillsAbility to gather, document, and translate technical requirements into scalable solutionsPreferred QualificationsExperience with frontend technologies such as React, Vue, or AngularExperience building enterprise-scale integration platformsFamiliarity with modern API frameworks such as FastAPIWhat Success Looks LikeDelivering scalable and secure API solutions that support business growthBuilding a high-performing engineering culture focused on quality and collaborationDriving technical innovation while maintaining operational excellenceSuccessfully balancing hands-on engineering contributions with team leadership responsibilities