Senior Python Developer

Hedgehog Lab; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A digital transformation firm in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Senior Python Developer to design scalable Python solutions and lead AI-powered projects. The ideal candidate has a strong background in Django, cloud management with AWS and Azure, and experience with Docker. This role offers flexibility to work from home and various wellbeing benefits.

Benefits

Annual personal development budget

Wellbeing days

Free therapy with Spill

36 days holiday (UK)

Monthly social events

Flexibility in work patterns

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Python developer with a strong understanding of Django.
• Ability to lead AI-powered Python projects from concept to deployment.
• Experience in writing tests using Pytest.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop high-performance Python solutions.
• Integrate multiple AI providers.
• Containerise applications using Docker.

Skills

Django REST Framework best practices

Real-time features with SSE

PostgreSQL

Celery and Redis

AWS and Azure cloud management

Docker

CI/CD pipelines

Multi-layer authentication

Pytest

Stripe API

Job description

We’re looking for a passionate Senior Python Developer who’s committed to delivering products that cut through the complexities of digital transformation and bring valuable business visions to life.

The Opportunity:

• Architect and develop high-performance, scalable Python solutions that drive innovation and delight our clients.
• Leverage your expertise in modern web frameworks, databases, and AI/ML techniques to conceptualise and deliver tailored digital products aligned with hedgehog lab's user-centric approach.
• Lead complex AI-powered Python projects from concept to deployment
• You will continuously enhance your team's capabilities by implementing best practices in areas such as API design, data modelling, MLOps, and DevOps

The Tech &Experience Requirements:

• Design and develop scalable RESTful APIs following Django REST Framework best practices
• Implement real-time features using Server-Sent Events (SSE) for streaming AI responses
• Worked with PostgreSQL database
• Worked with asynchronous task processing using Celery and Redis
• Integrate multiple AI providers (Azure OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, Anthropic Claude)
• Can manage cloud infrastructure across AWS (Cognito, S3, SES, Bedrock) and Azure (OpenAI)
• Containerise applications using Docker and Docker Compose
• Set up and maintain CI/CD pipelines with automated testing and deployment
• Implement multi-layer authentication (AWS Cognito)
• Experience in writing tests using Pytest.
• LangChain framework for AI application development
• Has experience in Stripe API implementation

What to expect from our interview process

We aim to make our process transparent, inclusive, and respectful of your time:

Stage - Intro Call with a member of the Talent team, Holly (30 minutes Google Meet)

Stage - A technical Interview, including a live coding task, with our Engineering Manager, Steven (60 minutes, Google Meet)

Stage - People and Values Interview with Steven (45 minutes, Google Meet)

We'll keep you informed at every step.

Why join us at hedgehog lab?

At hedgehog lab, we’ve built a workplace where people genuinely enjoy what they do and who they do it with.

We’re proud to be:

• Rated #1 in the UK on Clutch for mobile development
• A Great Place to Work
• Flexa-certified with an 85% FlexScore for flexible working
• Holders of the Advanced Good Work Pledge in the North East

But culture goes beyond certifications. We’re a team that values trust, autonomy, and inclusion. Whether you're working from our Newcastle HQ, home, or a café, we support what works for you. We’ve created an environment where neurodiverse, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented voices are celebrated, and where every person can be their authentic self.

Read what our team says on Glassdoor.

What we offer:

How we support your growth

• Annual personal development budget
• Career frameworks and coaching support
• Impact Days – 5 days a year to spend on learning, volunteering, or making a difference in ways that matter to you

How we support your wellbeing

• 2 wellbeing days a year (in addition to leave)
• Free therapy with Spill
• Bupa health cash plan (UK)
• Wellbeing budget
• Multisport card (Bulgaria)
• Bippit (UK) – access to a financial coach, tools, and resources to support your money goals

How we stay connected

• Monthly payday socials
• Annual summer & Christmas parties
• Celebrations for cultural and team milestones

How we support your work/life balance

• Work from anywhere: home, office or hybrid
• Flexa-certified employer with 85% FlexScore
• Enhanced parental policies
• 36 days holiday (UK), 30 days (Bulgaria) including bank/public holidays
• Open to alternate working patterns to suit you

Diversity & inclusion statement

We strongly believe that having diversity within our team is integral to doing our best work and creating the most innovative products for our customers. We encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply to our roles.

We’re a family-friendly employer with a culture based on trust, autonomy and flexibility. With a current 85% FlexScore, we’re learning as we go. By listening to our team and always asking for feedback, we can continue to improve and offer a working environment worthy of attracting the most creative and dedicated people in technology.

If you require any adjustments to submit an application for a vacancy, or if you require any reasonable adjustment should you be invited to interview, please let us know.

For any questions about this role or future opportunities, please contact Holly Orange, Senior Talent Acquisition Adviser, at [e-mail] or [e-mail]