Backend Engineer

Description Robert Half is seeking a Senior Software Engineer (Contract) for a client looking to expand its engineering team with a strong backend-focused developer experienced in building scalable, secure, cloud-native applications. This opportunity is ideal for an engineer with deep expertise in Python, microservices architecture, and AWS cloud development, who can contribute at both the hands-on development and architectural levels.

Duration:

6 month contract with possible year end 2026.

Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8 AM PST start time

Location:

100% Remote This consultant will play a critical role in designing and delivering high-performing backend services, modernizing engineering practices, and supporting scalable enterprise systems. Key Responsibilities + Design, develop, and maintain secure, scalable backend applications using Python + Build and support microservices-based architectures and reusable shared services + Develop and maintain RESTful APIs, including authentication, documentation, lifecycle management, and scalability considerations + Perform and participate in peer code reviews to maintain code quality and engineering standards + Implement unit, integration, and performance testing to ensure production readiness + Build, configure, and optimize CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment and delivery + Troubleshoot and resolve production issues through root cause analysis and remediation System Design & Architecture + Participate in technical design discussions and contribute to architectural decisions + Design scalable, secure, and performant distributed systems aligned to enterprise standards + Apply best practices around observability, disaster recovery, performance tuning, and capacity planning + Support cloud-native and event-driven application design patterns Innovation & Engineering Excellence + Utilize AI-assisted development tools to improve engineering efficiency and code quality + Evaluate emerging tools, frameworks, and technologies for adoption + Drive improvements in engineering workflows, automation, and delivery practices Technical Leadership & Collaboration + Mentor and support other engineers through technical guidance and knowledge sharing + Partner cross-functionally with engineering and product teams in an Agile environment + Promote engineering best practices and collaborative development standards Requirements Required Qualifications + 7+ years of software engineering experience in enterprise or cloud-native environments + Strong backend development experience using Python + Proven experience building and deploying microservices and REST APIs + Experience with API Management platforms, preferably Apigee + Strong hands-on experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS) including cloud-native, serverless, or event-driven applications + Experience designing and optimizing SQL and NoSQL databases + Strong understanding of software testing strategies and automation + Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices + Familiarity with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), CloudFormation + Experience with logging, monitoring, and alerting best practices + Comfortable working in Agile development environments Preferred Qualifications + Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience) + Experience with observability tools such as Datadog + Exposure to front-end technologies/frameworks (nice to have) + Experience leading engineering initiatives or technical projects + Open-source contributions or active engineering community involvement Technology Doesn't Change the World, People Do.® Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .