Lead Python Developer

Job Title: Lead Python Developer

Location: Schaumburg, IL
Work Mode: Hybrid – 3 days/week onsite
Job Type: Contract
Duration: Long Term

Job Summary

We are looking for a Lead Python Developer with a strong Data Engineering background to design, develop, and lead scalable data-driven applications and backend solutions. The ideal candidate should have strong hands-on Python development experience along with expertise in data pipelines, databases, cloud platforms, and modern data engineering technologies.

Required Skills

• 11+ years of overall software development experience with strong Python expertise.
• Strong experience designing and developing Python-based backend applications and services.
• Strong Data Engineering background with experience building scalable data pipelines.
• Hands-on experience with ETL/ELT, data ingestion, transformation, and processing.
• Strong SQL skills and experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQL Server.
• Experience with PySpark / Apache Spark and large-scale data processing.
• Experience with data orchestration tools such as Airflow or similar.
• Experience working with REST APIs, microservices, and distributed systems.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or Azure.
• Strong understanding of data modeling, data quality, and performance optimization.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and performance-tuning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of scalable Python applications and data solutions.
• Develop and maintain high-performance ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Design data ingestion and processing frameworks for large volumes of data.
• Develop APIs and backend services using Python.
• Work with data engineers, developers, architects, and business teams to define technical solutions.
• Optimize data pipelines, queries, and application performance.
• Implement automated testing, CI/CD, and deployment processes.
• Review code and provide technical guidance to development teams.
• Troubleshoot production issues and drive solutions from design through deployment.
• Mentor junior and mid-level developers and contribute to technical architecture decisions.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Kafka or other streaming technologies.
• Experience with Databricks, Snowflake, BigQuery, or Redshift.
• Experience with AWS/Google Cloud Platform data services.
• Knowledge of Generative AI/ML is a plus.
• Experience working in enterprise-scale environments.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.