Sr. Python Engineer

Education Technology Services (ETS), a division of Strategic Education Inc., is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Backend Python Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing backend services and APIs for our SaaS-based tuition benefit management platform, Workforce Edge, and our online platform delivering ACE-accredited, cost-effective alternatives to college courses.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and develop robust backend services and APIs using Python.
• Leverage AWS services for scalable backend solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate backend services with our platforms.
• Ensure the reliability and security of APIs and backend systems.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in backend development and cloud services.
• Architect and develop robust, scalable software systems using Python. This includes designing backend services, APIs, and integrating with databases and other technologies.
• Review code written by other developers to ensure it meets the organization's standards and best practices. Implement and advocate for good software development practices such as test-driven development (TDD), continuous integration (CI), and continuous deployment (CD).
• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues. This often involves debugging, optimizing code, and ensuring systems are running efficiently and effectively.
• Help in estimating work, scheduling features, and managing technical debt.
• Work closely with other team members, including project managers, software engineers, and UX designers, to ensure the team's work aligns with business goals and user needs. Communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop scripts and tools that automate various aspects of the software development and deployment process.
  
  
  

• Proficiency in Python, including understanding of its syntax, semantics, and standard library. Familiarity with Python frameworks like Django, Flask, or FastAPI is also important.
• Experience with relational databases (such as PostgreSQL, MySQL) and/or NoSQL databases (such as MongoDB, Cassandra). Ability to design schemas and optimize queries.
• Proficiency with tools like Git. Understanding of branching, merging, and pull request workflows.
• Ability to design scalable and efficient software architectures. Understanding of design patterns, data structures, and algorithms.
• Understanding of DevOps principles and practices, including automation of testing, build, deployment, and monitoring.
• Experience in writing comprehensive unit and integration tests. Familiarity with testing frameworks such as PyTest. Ability to debug and optimize code.
• Experience with AWS and familiarity with cloud architecture.
• Proven ability to design and implement RESTful APIs.
• Bonus points for Terraform proficiency
• Bonus points for any Machine Learning experience
  
  
  

• 5+ years of experience in backend development, preferably with Python.
• Experience with production deployment of backend services and APIs.
  
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Preference given for candidates holding associate or professional certifications in AWS
  
  
  

• Must be able to travel 0-10% of time.
• Must be able to lift 25lbs.
• Remote work location.
• Travel via plane, car, and metro may be required to perform this job.
• Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant.
• Access information using a computer.
• Effectively communicate, both up and down the management chain.
• Effectively cope with stressful situations.
• Strong mental acuity.
• Regular, dependable attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this job.
• Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.
• SEI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.