Senior Python Backend Developer - Onsite

Cognizant; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

401(k) plan and contributions

Long-term/Short-term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Senior Python Backend Developer for 100% onsite work in Washington, DC. The role requires 8+ years of software development experience, strong Python, FastAPI, REST API, and PostgreSQL skills. Onsite only; remote/hybrid not available.

Compensation ranges with a base plus COLA and bonus, with benefits included. The ideal candidate will be proficient in building scalable backend systems, implementing caching, writing unit tests (pytest), and deploying with Git-based

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in software development.
• Strong hands-on Python development.

Skills

Python development

FastAPI

REST API

PostgreSQL

SQL

Caching

Unit testing

pytest

Git

Docker

CI/CD

Excel with Python

Debugging

Performance optimization

Pydantic

importlib

Tools

Docker

CI/CD

Git

pytest

Pydantic

importlib

Job description

*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

About Us:

Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant, a member of the NASDAQ-100, is ranked 195 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com.

About Cognizant’s IoT Practice:

Intelligent, IoT-enabled products will soon result in the proliferation of data and disrupt virtually all industries. To be successful, both large and small companies must leverage IoT capabilities by designing modern products that fundamentally connect people with processes. Within Cognizant IOT, we engineer industry-aligned, IoT-enabled products that merge industry needs with human drivers. Our intelligent products will revolutionize experiences and result in exciting, transformative outcomes. Without human-centered thinking, connected products are just standalone things—but with it, our modern connected products facilitate a unified way of life enjoyed by all.

Job Title:

Senior Python Backend Developer
Experience: 8+ Years
Location: Washington, DC
Work Model: 100% Onsite – 5 days/week
Remote/Hybrid: Not available

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Senior Python Backend Developer with 8+ years of software development experience and strong expertise in Python, FastAPI, PostgreSQL/SQL, and backend development.

This is a 100% onsite position in Washington, DC. Candidates must be willing and able to work onsite from Day 1. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available for this role.

Key Technical Requirements

• 8+ years of overall software development experience
• Strong hands-on Python development
• Strong FastAPI and REST API development experience
• Advanced SQL/PostgreSQL skills
• Hands-on experience with stored procedures and functions
• Experience with Pydantic and importlib
• Strong understanding and implementation of caching
• Experience building reusable Python utilities, modules, or frameworks
• Experience with Excel processing/integration using Python
• Strong debugging and performance optimization skills
• Experience with Git and modern software development practices
• Experience with unit testing, preferably pytest
• Exposure to Docker/CI/CD is preferred

Important Candidate Requirement

This role requires 100% onsite presence in Washington, DC. Please submit candidates who are already local to the DC/DMV area or who are genuinely willing to relocate and work onsite. Remote candidates should not be considered.

Compensation

- $80,000 to $118,000 + COLA ($6000) + Bonus + Benefits. Bonus based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans. Application will be accepted by 11/08/2026

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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