Python Backend Developer

Python Backend Developer (AI Engineering)Contract, Contract to Hire | In-person / Hybrid in Chicago or AtlantaIf you thrive on owning problems from first line of code to production deployment, this role was built for you. You will be at the center of a team building serious, production-grade AI backend systems that power enterprise workflows. This is not a maintenance role or a ticket-queue job. You will design APIs, shape data architecture, and drive integrations with major enterprise platforms, all with real ownership and real impact.What you will be doingDesign and build Python-based backend services that connect AI workflows to enterprise systems and cloud infrastructureBuild integrations with ITSM, CRM, and other enterprise platforms using modern API patternsImplement data flows across cloud storage, databases, and data warehouses, including ETL/ELT pipeline design and schema architectureWork with managed cloud services including container orchestration, API gateways, and authentication systemsMaintain and troubleshoot CI/CD pipelines and debug issues across application, network, and cloud layersImplement authentication and authorization patterns (OAuth 2.0, service principals, identity management) and support compliance requirementsInstrument services with structured logging and monitoring to keep systems healthy and observableWhat we are looking for3+ years of professional Python backend development, with FastAPI or Flask experienceStrong fundamentals in REST API design and async programmingHands-on cloud experience across compute, storage, databases, and managed servicesProven experience integrating with third-party enterprise APIs such as ITSM or CRM platformsWorking knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and Docker containerizationFamiliarity with infrastructure-as-code conceptsExperience with OAuth 2.0, service principals, and identity management patternsStrong debugging instincts across both application and infrastructure layersBonus points if you haveExperience deploying or working with LLMs in production environmentsFamiliarity with conversational AI or virtual agent platformsKubernetes or container orchestration experienceBackground with document processing pipelinesHands-on observability and monitoring tool experienceExperience in enterprise IT environments with complex networked architectures