Applications Developer (Python)

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA, Inc.); Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier technology and resource solutions provider is looking for an Applications Developer to join their team for a contract assignment. This role involves designing and optimizing FP&A forecasting processes, collaborating with financial and IT teams, and leading technical innovations. Ideal candidates will possess over 10 years of experience in software engineering, particularly in Python development, and have a strong background in financial modeling and computational systems. This opportunity is based in Des Moines, IA or Boston, MA.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in professional software engineering with significant Python development.
• Experience with financial modeling or large-scale computational systems required.
• Excellent leadership and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize FP&A Forecasting and Reporting processes.
• Mentor junior developers and raise engineering maturity across the team.
• Establish engineering standards and champion best practices.

Skills

Expert Python skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Leadership qualities

Experience with DevOps practices

Deep knowledge of data management and integration

Education

Undergraduate or advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering

Tools

AWS

Python-based environments (Jupyter, VS Code, Databricks)

Snowflake

Job description

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is searching for an Applications Developer for a contract assignment with one of our premier financial clients in Des Moines, IA or Boston, MA.

Responsibilities

• Partners with the FP&A team and IT data team to design, build, and optimize the FP&A Forecasting and Reporting processes.
• Accountable for developing and maintaining high-performance components, ensuring the processes scale effectively with complex calculations and large data volumes.
• Be a key member of the FP&A Transformation, helping to build a calculation and forecast modelling platform to support a growing, high‑pace firm.
• Act as a technical leader, bringing deep engineering expertise while working closely with FP&A, Investment, Actuarial and data specialists to ensure the processes deliver robust, efficient, and production‑grade solutions.
• Platform Development & Optimization
  • Lead the design, development, and optimization of core code base using Python and Python‑based compute environments (e.g., Jupyter, VS Code, Databricks).
  • Collaborate with FP&A and data teams to integrate FP&A forecasting models, analytics, and data pipelines.
  • Ensure computational performance, scalability, and reliability across FP&A workloads.
  • Drive technical innovation, including use of compute grids, data vectors, and AI‑based methods where relevant.
• Collaboration &  Support
  • Partner with FP&A and external consultants to deliver performant model execution and tooling.
  • Provide technical guidance on backlog items and requirements for IT Data and supporting teams.
  • Serve as a senior escalation point for critical incidents, providing Tier‑3 expertise when needed.
• Governance &  Best Practices
  • Establish and champion engineering standards, testing practices, and performance monitoring.
  • Contribute to platform documentation, run books, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
  • Mentor junior developers and data engineers, raising engineering maturity across the team.
  • Ensure ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and optimizations are delivered with minimal disruption.

Required Skills

• An undergraduate or advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 10+ years in professional software engineering, with significant hands‑on Python development.
• Demonstrated success building or maintaining financial modeling or large‑scale computational systems.
• Experience working with investment banks and/or within life and annuity insurance domains is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in data‑driven platforms, large‑scale computation, or advanced analytics.
• Experience with DevOps practices and ability to explain them to business users.
• Expert Python skills with proven experience in building high‑performance, data‑intensive systems.
• Strong understanding of Life & Annuity data, financial models, or large‑scale computational engines.
• Deep knowledge of data management and integration in hybrid cloud ecosystems (AWS / Snowflake).
• Hands‑on experience with compute parallelization and performance optimization techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to interface effectively with FP&A and program leadership stakeholders.
• Strong leadership qualities: mentoring, influencing, and guiding technical direction across teams.

Preferred Skills

• Cloud ecosystem expertise (AWS, Azure, Redshift)
• Familiarity with AI/ML integration in computational systems
• Experience in data visualization and reporting

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women‑owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let’s work better together, we mean it.

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company EEO page to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.