Python developer

ZealHire Inc.; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ZealHire Inc. in Des Moines, Iowa seeks an experienced Python developer for a contract-to-permanent role. You will support and enhance a critical customer communication system in an agile team, delivering end-to-end features with autonomy and accountability.

You will mentor junior engineers, review code, and help improve engineering practices. The role emphasizes integrating AI tools responsibly and maintaining high standards for architecture, testing, and security.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in software development with Python.
• Strong AWS cloud experience.
• Proficient with SQL, APIs, CI/CD and GitHub.
• Experience in Agile teams and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and trade-offs.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality, maintainable software.
• Experience using AI tools in development workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain customer correspondence features, including batch processes, policy communications, renewals, and billing.
• Take ownership of delivery for significant portions of the software, including refactoring and deprecation tasks.
• Document system architecture, testing, security practices, and operations; train new team members.
• Review code thoroughly and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Design solutions for features with incomplete requirements while aligning with architecture.
• Identify root causes of operational issues and implement permanent fixes.
• Collaborate with offshore developers, QA, BSA teams, and product owners in an agile sprint.
• Embody operational excellence across delivery lifecycle.
• Collaborate with AI tools in daily workflows with verification.
• Mentor engineers through code reviews to promote quality.

Skills

Python development

Mentorship

Agile

Problem analysis

Tools

AWS

SQL

APIs

CI/CD

GitHub

Job description

ZealHire. Des Moines, Iowa, United States Contract Deadline: Nov 6, 2026

USC/GCNeed LinkedIn, VISA DLLocals or who can relocate and should be within 200 miles

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Python developer to join our client’s team on a contract basis, with the potential for permanent employment. The role involves supporting and enhancing a critical customer communication system, working within an agile environment. The ideal candidate is autonomous, capable of managing fuzzy requirements, and delivering maintainable features from end to end. They will also mentor junior team members and contribute to improving engineering practices through code reviews and process enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain features for the customer correspondence system, including support for batch processes, policy communications, renewals, address changes, and billing.
• Take ownership of delivery for significant portions of the software, including refactoring and deprecation tasks.
• Document system architecture, testing, security practices, and operational procedures; actively train new team members.
• Review code thoroughly, including work performed by senior engineers, and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Design solutions for features with incomplete requirements, ensuring alignment with architectural standards.
• Identify root causes of operational issues and implement permanent fixes.
• Collaborate closely with offshore developers, QA, BSA teams, and product owners in an agile sprint environment.
• Embody operational excellence across all phases of the delivery lifecycle.
• Integrate AI tools into daily workflows to improve efficiency and output quality, while maintaining rigorous verification standards.
• Mentor other engineers through code reviews, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of software development experience with Python.
• Strong experience with cloud computing platforms, especially AWS.
• Proficiency with SQL, APIs, CI/CD pipelines, and version control systems such as GitHub.
• Experience working within an agile development environment, with an understanding of sprint cycles and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, simplify solutions, and make informed trade-offs.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality, maintainable software in a collaborative setting.
• Experience utilizing AI tools in a development workflow; ability to review and validate AI-assisted work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Domain experience in annuity or life insurance sectors.
• Experience working in a team with offshore members, including developers, business analysts, and QA engineers.
• Demonstrated mentorship skills, with a focus on coaching through code reviews.
• Familiarity with internal governance frameworks and structured enterprise problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong documentation skills and capacity to train and guide new team members.

$000,000 – $000,000 Salary range is not shown on the candidate portal