Lead Software Engineer - Python

Job Description

Role Summary

Our client, a well-known nonprofit organization recognized for its strong reputation, employee retention, and exceptional benefits, is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to contribute to the modernization of a flagship SaaS platform.

This role focuses on hands-on technical development and architectural contribution rather than people management, despite the lead-level title. The engineer will help design and deliver scalable systems that support a global platform serving institutions and end users with high-volume content and data access.

The position offers the opportunity to work on complex backend challenges involving large-scale data processing, search and discovery, and high-performance content delivery, while helping shape the evolution of a mission-driven product.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Design & Development

Design and implement complex platform features and backend systems.

Build and maintain scalable services using Python, Django, and PostgreSQL.

Develop secure and performant APIs aligned with product and UI requirements.

Optimize application performance and scalability for systems handling millions of daily requests.Architecture & Engineering Practices

Participate in architectural discussions and help shape system design decisions.

Support scalable infrastructure design for distributed systems and cloud-based services.

Conduct code reviews and uphold engineering standards for quality, maintainability, and performance.Mentorship & Technical Guidance

Provide technical guidance to engineers across the team.

Mentor junior developers through code reviews and design discussions.

Contribute to knowledge sharing and engineering best practices.Platform & Data Engineering

Work with complex data models, metadata structures, and content processing pipelines.

Optimize database performance and query efficiency within high-scale environments.

Support search and discovery capabilities across large content repositories.Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

7+ years of professional software development experience.

Strong expertise in:

Python (3.11+) with modern development practices including type hinting, data classes, and multiprocessing concepts.

Django framework, including architecture, ORM, and templating systems.

API design and development, including secure and scalable RESTful services.

PostgreSQL, including JSON fields, full-text search, and complex query optimization.

Strong understanding of database systems and data modelling.

Experience building applications on cloud platforms.

Experience with distributed systems and microservices architectures.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Django Ninja and Pydantic frameworks.

Familiarity with OpenAPI specification design.

Experience with frameworks such as Flask or similar Python web frameworks.

Knowledge of Java or prior experience working in mixed Python/Java environments.

Experience integrating AI tools or frameworks into software development workflows.Compensation & Work Model

Location: Candidates must reside in the Columbus, Ohio metro area.

Work Model: Hybrid schedule with three days per week in office.

Relocation: Not provided.

Visa Sponsorship: Available (including H1B candidates).

The organization offers exceptional benefits and retirement programs, consistent with its nonprofit mission and long-tenured workforce.

Full-time

Hybrid remote