Python Backend Engineer

List International; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

List International is seeking a Senior Python Backend Engineer in Abu Dhabi to design and maintain scalable backend systems powering an AI-driven SaaS platform. You will build secure APIs, optimize databases, and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced product environment.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of Python backend experience, strong knowledge of FastAPI/Flask, REST/GraphQL, and experience with distributed systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional Python backend development experience.
• Strong Python programming skills.
• Solid experience with FastAPI or Flask.
• Deep knowledge of REST API and GraphQL design principles.
• Experience in designing event-driven architectures and clean architectures.
• Proven ability to build scalable backend systems and microservices.
• Excellent database skills with PostgreSQL/MySQL; NoSQL like MongoDB/Redis is a plus.
• Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, and Git workflows.
• Strong testing mindset: PyTest, unit and integration tests.
• Security-conscious coding with authentication/authorization (JWT, OAuth2).
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using Python.
• Build production-ready applications with FastAPI and Flask.
• Design and implement secure RESTful and GraphQL APIs.
• Develop scalable microservices and distributed backend systems.
• Integrate third-party APIs and external SaaS providers.
• Design efficient database schemas and optimize SQL queries.
• Work with PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, MongoDB, and other data stores.
• Implement authentication mechanisms (JWT, OAuth2, API Keys).
• Write clean, maintainable code following clean architecture principles.
• Create unit, integration, and API tests; ensure production reliability.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize backend performance in production.
• Collaborate with frontend, DevOps, QA, PM, and AI engineers.
• Participate in architecture reviews, code reviews, and planning rounds.

Skills

Python

FastAPI

Flask

REST Design

GraphQL Design

Event-driven Architecture

Clean Architecture

Unit Testing

Git workflows

CI/CD

Async programming

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Redis

RabbitMQ

REST APIs

GraphQL

OAuth2

JWT

Job description

Job Description

Job Location: Abu Dhabi - UAE

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: Office-Based / Onsite

Experience: Minimum 3 Years

Position Level: Senior Level

Languages: Must be Fluent in Arabic & English

About the Role

We are looking for a Python Backend Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable backend systems that power our AI-driven SaaS platform.

You will build secure APIs, integrate with third-party services, optimize database performance, and contribute to the architecture of high-availability systems. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, writing clean and maintainable code, and working in a fast-paced, product-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using Python.

• Build production-ready applications using FastAPI, Flask.

• Design and implement secureRESTful APIsandGraphQL APIs.

• Develop scalable microservices and distributed backend systems.

• Integrate third-party APIs including payment gateways, CRM systems, AI platforms, communication services, and external SaaS providers..

• Design efficient database schemas and optimize complex SQL queries.

• Work with PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, RabbitMQ , MongoDB, Clickhouse, Typesense and other data storage technologies.

• Implement authentication and authorization mechanisms (JWT, OAuth2, API Keys).

• Write reusable, maintainable, and well-documented code following clean architecture principles.

• Build unit, integration, and API tests to ensure application reliability.

• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize backend performance in production environments.

• Collaborate closely with Frontend Engineers, DevOps Engineers, QA Engineers, Product Managers, and AI Engineers.

• Participate in architecture discussions, code reviews, and technical planning.

• Maintain high standards for security, scalability, and code quality.

Requirements

• The Ideal candidate must have Minimum 3 years of professional experience in Python backend development.

• Strong proficiency in Python programming.

• Solid experience withFastAPI or Flask.

• Strong understanding of REST API and GraphQL design principles.

• Must Know to Design and implement event-driven Architecture Structure.

• Must Know to Implement Clean Architecture and established software design principles to create modular, maintainable, testable, and scalable backend systems

• Experience building scalable backend architectures.

• Excellent knowledge of PostgreSQL and/or MySQL.

• Experience with NoSQL databases such as MongoDB or Redis.

• Strong understanding of software architecture, OOP, SOLID Principles, and Design Patterns.

• Experience with Git and collaborative development workflows.

• Knowledge of asynchronous programming (async/await).

• Familiarity with Docker, K8s and containerized applications.

• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines using Github Actions or Jenkins.

• Experience writing automated tests (PyTest, Unit Testing, Integration Testing).

• Strong debugging and performance optimization skills.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• AI/LLM integrations (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, DeepSeek)

• LangChain or AI agent frameworks

• Celery and background task processing

• RabbitMQ, Kafka, or message queues and Typesense.

• WebSockets and real-time communication

• Elasticsearch

• Kubernetes

• AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud

• Nginx

• Worked on Custom CRMs Project

• Linux server administration

• Multi-tenant SaaS architecture

• CRM integrations (Salesforce, Zoho, HubSpot, Odoo)

Compensation & Benefits

Salary:Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications (To be discussed during the interview process).

Additional Benefits:To be discussed during the interview process.