Staff/Senior Software Engineer (Python/PHP)

Ontrac Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontrac Solutions in Chicago is looking for a highly skilled Staff/Senior Software Engineer to lead modernization efforts in software applications and platforms. You will utilize your extensive expertise in Python and PHP to drive development processes and break down complex monolithic architectures into scalable container-based services on Google Cloud.

The ideal candidate will work closely with engineering managers and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery, requiring at least 10 years of backend software development experience and a strong software engineering background.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of backend software development experience.
• Hands-on experience with Python and PHP.
• Experience deconstructing monolithic architectures.
• Knowledge of secure communication and OpenSSL.

Responsibilities

• Lead modernization efforts and application development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex distributed systems.
• Drive best practices in software development and testing.

Skills

Backend software development

Python (3.11+)

PHP (8.x)

Containerized services

OpenSSL

Testing discipline

Cloud platforms

Metrics and monitoring tools

Education

Degree in computer science or related field

Tools

Chronosphere

Prometheus

Grafana

Splunk

RHEL

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Staff/Senior Software Engineer to support a critical customer engagement focused on application and platform modernization.

This role is ideal for a seasoned engineer capable of leading modernization efforts and breaking down monolithic architectures into container-based services on GCP, with strong Python experience. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering managers and customer stakeholders to ensure project success from initial definition through final delivery.

What Your Application Must Clearly Show

We screen against the requirements below exactly as written — your resume should make these easy to find:

• 10+ years of backend software development.
• Recent, hands‑on Python (3.11+) AND PHP (8.x) – this role genuinely uses both; applications showing only one language will not pass screening.
• A real example of deconstructing a monolith into container‑based services, ideally on Google Cloud.
• OpenSSL / secure communication implementation experience.
• Testing discipline: unit, integration, and acceptance tests on production systems.

Required Credentials

• A degree in computer science or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant work experience in software development, focused on backend development, specifically with Python experience.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of strong expertise developing applications using Python (3.11+) and PHP (8.4.x).
• Extensive Python experience, with the ability to understand an existing complex codebase and lead development efforts.
• Extensive experience deconstructing monolithic architectures into container‑based services to enhance scalability and maintainability.
• Experience working with cloud platforms, specifically Google Cloud.
• Technical proficiency with OpenSSL and implementing secure communication protocols across distributed platforms.
• Exposure to metrics and monitoring tools such as Chronosphere, Prometheus, and Grafana.
• Familiarity with logging solutions, specifically transitioning from Splunk to Splunk Cloud.
• Exposure to OS/package management, including RHEL7 to EL8/9 shifts and migrations from proprietary package management to RPM.
• Strong proficiency writing unit, integration, and acceptance tests.

Useful Qualifications

• Previous experience with internal network‑automation services and platforms.
• Experience mentoring mid‑level engineers to reduce single points of failure (SPOFs).
• Experience partnering with Principal Engineers on large‑scale cloud migrations.

Scope and Solution Expectations

• Bring extensive Python and PHP experience to drive and lead development efforts.
• Lead application and platform modernization across internal network‑automation services, breaking monoliths into container‑based services on GCP.
• Drive language and library upgrades (Python 3.11+, PHP 8.4.x, OpenSSL), own design and reviews, and mentor junior developers.
• Build and extend metrics paths as the platform moves from a legacy metrics system to Chronosphere, Prometheus, and Grafana.
• Partner on the migration from Splunk to Splunk Cloud or alternative solutions.
• Collaborate with product engineers on OS and package shifts (RHEL7 to EL8/9, proprietary packaging to RPM) and cloud migrations, owning feature delivery in support of the broader digital transformation.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including product managers, designers, and other engineering teams, to define requirements and drive technical solutions.
• Drive the adoption of best practices for software development, including testing, code reviews, and continuous integration and delivery.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex issues across the distributed system, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.