Senior Python Backend Developer

Role Description

As a Senior Python Backend Developer at Ascend, you'll lead development of our Python-based web applications using Django and FastAPI. You'll architect scalable solutions, implement best practices, and help shape our technical direction while working with modern cloud infrastructure.

Beyond traditional engineering, you'll play a meaningful role in how Ascend adopts AI-assisted development—both inside Engineering and in the tooling, standards, and guardrails we extend to the rest of the organization.

This is a remote role paying $3500 - $4500 per month, DOE.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Python web development experience
• Strong proficiency with Django and FastAPI frameworks
• Expert knowledge of web development best practices
• Experience with PostgreSQL and ORM frameworks
• Solid understanding of front-end technologies
• Advanced Git skills and collaborative workflows
• Experience with Agile methodologies and CI/CD
• Demonstrable experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code, Copilot) on production work
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Ability to balance technical excellence with business needs

Requirements

• Lead development of features using Django and FastAPI
• Architect and implement scalable web applications
• Establish technical standards for our Python codebase, including standards for AI-assisted contributions
• Optimize our cloud infrastructure (Railway, with selective AWS usage)
• Build and maintain the AI tooling, prompts, and skills the engineering team relies on day-to-day
• Help define the company-wide policies, guardrails, and enablement that let teams across Ascend use AI tools effectively
• Mentor developers, conduct thorough code reviews, and help raise the bar for how we evaluate AI-assisted work
• Collaborate with product managers and designers
• Implement testing and evaluation strategies, including for workflows that involve AI in the loop
• Evaluate new technologies, AI and otherwise, to enhance our tech stack

Benefits

• Take ownership of critical technical challenges, including how AI fits into our engineering culture and operating model
• Work with modern technologies and shape our technical roadmap
• Join a high-performing team where your contributions have direct impact
• Contribute to a product with proven market fit
• Develop leadership skills while solving meaningful problems, both technical and organizational
• Opportunity for significant professional growth as we scale