Senior Backend Software Engineer - Freelance

Left Field Labs; United States; Remote; USD 83,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Left Field Labs is seeking a highly skilled Freelance Backend Software Engineer with a strong focus on Python development to design, develop, and maintain robust backend systems powering our critical applications. You will work closely with frontend engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions that scale and perform.

You will design databases, set up CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions and Google Cloud Build, and mentor junior engineers while staying current

Qualifications

• 5+ years of backend development experience.
• Python with Django or Flask expertise.
• Relational DBs (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and ORMs.
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript proficiency.
• Git version control; CI/CD (GitHub Actions).
• Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and Docker/Kubernetes.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy scalable Python-based backend services.
• Design and implement SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Setup CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions and Google Cloud Build.
• Collaborate with product and design to translate requirements into specs.
• Write clean, documented code with best practices.
• Perform code reviews for quality and performance.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex issues across backend systems.
• Optimize performance, scalability, and responsiveness.
• Improve development processes and tooling.
• Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge.
• Stay up-to-date with backend trends and Wagtail.
• Other ad hoc duties as assigned.

Skills

Python

Django/Flask

PostgreSQL

MySQL

HTML/CSS/JS

TypeScript

Git

CI/CD GitHub Actions

AWS

GCP

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

Communication skills

Independent worker

BS Computer Science

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Job description

About Us

Senior Software Engineer, Backend - Freelance

Location: Remote, Anywhere in the United States or Canada

Who We Are

Left Field Labs is the creative technology agency that builds what’s next. We partner with the world’s most ambitious brands to transform breakthrough technology into extraordinary human experiences. Since 2008, we’ve delivered end-to-end digital transformation services—from strategy to platform development to immersive experiences—for the biggest companies in the world, including Google, Amazon, and Meta.

What We Do

• Digital Experience: We architect seamless digital ecosystems that simplify complexity and drive measurable impact. Whether launching new platforms or evolving legacy systems, we strike the perfect balance between innovation and pragmatism
• Product Innovation: We build scalable platforms and products in lockstep with organizations, identifying and seizing new technology opportunities.
• Immersive: We create immersive, cross-media experiences that move beyond omnichannel thinking, blending digital, social, AI, and physical spaces to engage and delight.
• Applied AI: We transform AI from a tech tool to the infrastructure for business evolution—enhancing decision-making, unlocking new efficiencies, and expanding human capacity Our AI solutions power predictive intelligence, sharper decision-making, and game-changing innovation.

Overview

Who We Are Seeking

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Freelance Backend Software Engineer with a strong focus on Python development. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing, developing, and maintaining robust and scalable backend systems that power our critical applications. You will work closely with front-end engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions that meet business requirements and user needs.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, and deploy highly scalable, reliable, and secure backend services using Python.
• Design and implement databases using both SQL and NoSQL architecture
• Setup CI/CD pipelines using Github Actions and Google Cloud Build
• Collaborate with product and design teams to translate business requirements into technical specifications and architectural designs.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code following best practices and coding standards.
• Perform code reviews to ensure code quality, performance, and adherence to architectural guidelines.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex issues across various backend systems and services.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and responsiveness.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of our development processes, tools, and infrastructure.
• Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge within the team.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices in backend development and Wagtail.
• Other Ad Hoc duties as assigned.

Required Skills

What You’ll Need to be Successful

• 5+ years of professional experience in backend software development.
• Proficiency in Python with a deep understanding of its ecosystem, including frameworks like Django or Flask.
• Solid experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORMs.
• Proficiency with HTML, CSS and Javascript/Typescript
• Experience with version control systems, particularly Git.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions preferred)
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects from conception to deployment.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or equivalent work experience

Bonus Points

• Experience with Go
• Experience with data science concepts and the Python ecosystem (pandas, numpy etc..)
• Expertise in implementing solutions with LLMs, including prompt engineering and integration with third-party APIs (eg, OpenAI, Vertex AI)

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunities

Left Field Labs is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and team members, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. This includes the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance related to an applicant's criminal history (LAMC 189.00). Left Field Labs makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled team members.

Left Field Labs is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States.

Compensation

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $60.00 - $95.00 per hour and applies only to jobs performed in Culver City, California. This range represents the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Please note that we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.