Lead/Principal Software Engineer - Python

Job Description

Role Summary

Our client, a well-known nonprofit organization with a strong reputation and low employee turnover, is seeking a Lead or Principal Software Engineer to support the modernization of a flagship SaaS platform. This is a hands-on technical role focused on building scalable, high-performance systems that serve a global user base.

The organization offers strong benefits and retirement programs and provides an opportunity to work on meaningful, mission-driven technology initiatives. This role does not include direct people management but requires senior-level technical expertise and mentorship capabilities.Key Responsibilities

Design and implement complex backend systems and platform features

Contribute to architecture decisions and technical strategy

Develop scalable APIs and services supporting high-volume applications

Optimize performance, scalability, and reliability of systems handling large-scale traffic

Conduct code reviews and enforce best practices for code quality

Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance

Collaborate cross-functionally to translate product requirements into technical solutions

Support development of distributed systems, search capabilities, and data processing pipelinesRequired Qualifications

7+ years of professional software development experience

Strong to expert-level proficiency in Python (modern versions, including type hinting, dataclasses, multiprocessing concepts)

Strong experience with Django (architecture, ORM, templating)

Experience designing and building secure, scalable APIs (OpenAPI experience preferred)

Proficiency with PostgreSQL, including query optimization, JSON fields, and full-text search

Experience working with cloud platforms and distributed systems/microservices architectures

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Ability to operate at a Lead or Principal technical level (hands-on contributor)

Must currently reside in the Columbus, Ohio metro areaPreferred Qualifications

Experience with Django Ninja, Pydantic, or similar frameworks (e.g., Flask)

Prior experience with Java

Experience integrating AI tools and frameworks into development workflows

Exposure to complex data models, metadata systems, or large-scale content platformsCompensation & Work Model

Salary up to $160,000 annually

Hybrid schedule: 3 days per week in-office

No relocation assistance provided

H1B visa sponsorship available

Strong benefits package, including retirement offerings

Stable, low-turnover work environmentAdditional Considerations

Candidates must already live in the Columbus, Ohio metro area

Candidates considering relocation independently should demonstrate strong ties or commitment to the area

Preference for candidates with stable work history (no frequent job changes)

Full-time

Hybrid remote