Backend Engineer (Python, API)

About The Role: Our Modeling & Simulation team is focused on developing next-generation wargaming and decision-support platforms that enable the Department of War (DoW) to make strategic force-design decisions before they are implemented in the real world. This multidisciplinary team integrates simulation, physics, backend and data systems, geospatial visualization, and AI to create extensible, mission-critical simulations trusted by government users. As a Lead Backend and Data Engineer, you will spearhead the development of the core Python-based services, APIs, and data systems that power these advanced simulation tools. This role involves a balanced mix of leadership and technical hands-on work—setting architectural standards, reviewing code, solving complex technical challenges, and mentoring a team of backend and data engineers. Your contributions will directly impact high-stakes decision-making processes and enhance the capabilities of our simulation platform.

Qualifications: Extensive experience designing, building, and operating production-grade backend systems for enterprise software. Proficiency in Python programming, including designing services, APIs, background workers, and integration layers. Proven leadership experience, including architecture guidance, code review, mentoring, and ownership of delivery for small teams. Deep understanding of service-oriented architecture, domain modeling, API design, and system failure modes. Strong experience with relational databases, especially PostgreSQL, with solid SQL and data modeling skills. Hands-on experience with ORM frameworks such as SQLAlchemy, Alembic, or Django ORM, including database migrations. Track record of delivering secure, reliable, and observable software in production environments. Familiarity with cloud deployment patterns across AWS, Azure, GCP, or similar platforms. Experience supporting deployments in private cloud, on-premises, or disconnected environments. Ability to make practical decisions regarding data consistency, operational support, and system observability. Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate ambiguous requirements into actionable plans.

Responsibilities: Lead and develop a high-performing backend and data engineering team, balancing technical leadership with hands-on contributions. Define and steer the technical architecture for backend services, APIs, data systems, and integrations across multiple teams and platforms. Design, build, and maintain secure, reliable Python services and APIs, ensuring seamless integration with simulation, AI, and frontend components. Translate complex product and research requirements into clear technical plans and incremental deliverables. Establish and enforce engineering standards for API design, service boundaries, testing, observability, security, and code quality. Develop enterprise-grade software compatible with cloud, private cloud, on-premises, and disconnected environments. Collaborate with platform and data engineering teams to ensure systems are deployable, observable, performant, and maintainable. Lead technical reviews, RFCs, and decision-making processes, balancing speed, correctness, and long-term sustainability. Debug and resolve complex issues involving services, databases, queues, APIs, infrastructure, and third-party integrations. Mentor engineers, review code, and uphold high standards for quality, including validation of AI-assisted code in high-assurance environments. Work closely with stakeholders across Product, Engineering, and government sectors to align platform capabilities with operational needs. Recruit, develop, and scale the backend and data engineering teams, forecasting capacity and growth opportunities.

Benefits: Competitive salary commensurate with experience, with a focus on upper-range compensation. Comprehensive health care plan with 100% premium coverage, including medical, dental, and vision benefits.401(k) retirement plan with a 5% matching contribution. Unlimited paid time off, along with sick leave and public holidays. Flexible hybrid or fully remote work arrangements to support work-life balance. Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates.

Equal Opportunity: Code Metal is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or background. US citizenship may be required for certain security-sensitive projects, and we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. We believe in diversity and strive to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our mission of transforming software engineering through innovation and integrity.