Senior Backend Software Developer

KellyMitchell Group; Cupertino (CA); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

KellyMitchell is seeking a Senior Backend Software Developer to join the AI team in a hybrid Cupertino setting. You will build and enhance backend systems using LLMs, vector embeddings, and rule-based recommendations for financial products, writing robust Python code in FastAPI and collaborating with a distributed team.

Key responsibilities include integrating Azure OpenAI, working with PostgreSQL, and ensuring code quality through tests and CI/CD practices, while applying design patterns like

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional software development experience, preferably in financial services or enterprise software.
• Strong Python (3.10+), FastAPI, and asynchronous patterns knowledge.
• Experience with LLM APIs, vector databases, embeddings, and caching strategies.

Responsibilities

• Integrate with Azure OpenAI and embedding models for LLM-powered features and RAG architectures.
• Work with PostgreSQL for schema design, queries, and migrations.
• Write production-ready, typed Python code using FastAPI and test with pytest.
• Collaborate on architecture decisions using Pydantic and repository patterns.

Skills

Python

FastAPI

PostgreSQL

LLM APIs

CI/CD

Tools

Pydantic

DI

Async IO

Job description

Job Summary

Our client, a leading Financial Services Company is seeking a Senior Backend Software Developer to join our AI team. This team builds systems using LLMs, vector embeddings, and rule-based recommendation engines to generate and manage personalized selling points for financial products. You will contribute to backend development, build new features, improve system reliability, and collaborate with a small, agile distributed team. This position is W-2 only. We do not work with third-party firms or C2C arrangements for this role.

Core Responsibilities

• Integrate with Azure OpenAI and embedding models to build and optimize LLM-powered features and RAG architectures
• Work with PostgreSQL for database operations, including schema design, query optimization, and migrations
• Write production-ready, clean, typed, and asynchronous Python code using FastAPI
• Write comprehensive unit and integration tests (pytest), build golden data sets, manage LLM evaluation, and participate in code reviews
• Collaborate on architecture decisions utilizing Pydantic, dependency injection, and repository patterns

Required Skills/Experience (Must-Haves)

• 5+ years of professional software development experience (Financial services or enterprise software experience is a plus)
• Strong proficiency in Python (3.10+), FastAPI, and async/await patterns
• Strong proficiency in PostgreSQL or similar modern relational DBMS
• Practical experience with LLM APIs, vector databases, embeddings, tokenization, and caching strategies
• Strict adherence to type annotations, linting, automated testing, and CI/CD practices

Preferred Skills/Experience (Nice-to-Haves)

• Some familiarity with LLM components such as tokenization, cache, etc.
• Strong code quality practices - type annotations, linting, automated testing
• Excellent communication skills; ability to work independently in a distributed team
• Experience in financial services or enterprise software development

Key Competencies & Behaviors

• Analytical & Problem-Solving
• Quality-Focused & Detail-Oriented
• Collaborative & Self-Directed Work Environment

Location

Cupertino, CA Hybrid 3 days a week in office

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range: The approximate pay range for this position is between $53.00 and $72.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and location. We comply with local wage minimums.

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans
• Employee-Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP)
• 401K offered

About KellyMitchell

At KellyMitchell, our culture is world class. We’re movers and shakers! We don’t mind a bit of friendly competition, and we reward hard work with unlimited potential for growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a company known for innovative solutions and unsurpassed customer service. We're passionate about helping companies solve their biggest IT staffing & project solutions challenges. As an employee-owned, women-led organization serving Fortune 500 companies nationwide, we deliver expert service at a moment's notice.