Freelance Senior Python EngineerLisbon / LondonA leading technology consultancy is looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to join their engineering team.
This role will focus on building and scaling backend services that power high-volume data processing and AI-enabled platforms used by enterprise clients.You will work on distributed systems running on Google Cloud, designing scalable APIs and backend services capable of handling large concurrent workloads.
The role offers the opportunity to work with modern Python frameworks, event-driven architectures, and emerging AI integrations.The RoleYou will take ownership of core backend services and contribute to the design, development, and deployment of scalable cloud-native systems.Key responsibilities include:Backend DevelopmentDesign and maintain RESTful APIs using Python and FastAPIImplement robust data models using PydanticManage persistence layers using Google Cloud Datastore (NoSQL)Cloud & Distributed SystemsBuild and maintain event-driven architectures on Google CloudUse services such as Cloud Run, Cloud Tasks, and Pub/Sub to orchestrate asynchronous workloadsEnsure systems are scalable, reliable, and performantData ProcessingDevelop and optimise batch processing and aggregation pipelinesImprove query performance for large datasets and audit workloadsCI/CD & InfrastructureMaintain and improve CI/CD pipelines using GCP Cloud BuildManage containerised deployments using DockerSupport deployment workflows across development, QA, UAT, and production environmentsAI IntegrationIntegrate AI-powered components using LLMs via Vertex AIQuality & Engineering PracticesWork within a test-driven development environmentContribute to a mature testing framework with extensive unit test coverageSupport high engineering standards and maintainability across distributed systemsRequirementsStrong commercial experience with Python (asyncio experience preferred)Production experience building APIs with FastAPI or similar frameworksHands-on experience with Google Cloud PlatformExperience designing distributed or event-driven systemsComfortable owning features end-to-end from design through to deployment