Lead design, build, and maintain scalable backend services using Java (Spring) and Python (FastAPI/Django). Implement REST/GraphQL APIs, optimize SQL/NoSQL databases, develop microservices, ensure security (OAuth2/JWT), write tests, improve performance, and collaborate in Agile with frontend and DevOps teams.
We are seeking a versatile Backend Lead to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the server-side logic and infrastructure that powers our applications. You will work across two primary ecosystems: Java for robust, scalable enterprise services and Python for data processing, automation, and agile microservices. You will collaborate closely with frontend developers and DevOps teams to ensure seamless integration and high-system reliability.
Key Responsibilities
- System Design & Development: Build and maintain scalable, high-performance backend services using Java (Spring Boot) and Python (Django/FastAPI).
- API Management: Design and implement RESTful and GraphQL APIs to support web and mobile frontends.
- Database Management: Optimize database schemas and complex queries for both SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB, Redis) systems.
- Microservices Architecture: Develop and orchestrate microservices, ensuring efficient inter-service communication and data consistency.
- Security & Compliance: Implement secure authentication/authorization protocols (OAuth2, JWT) and ensure data protection across all layers.
- Testing & Quality: Write comprehensive unit, integration, and end-to-end tests using frameworks like JUnit (Java) and pytest (Python).
- Performance Optimization: Identify and resolve bottlenecks in application logic, database access, and network latency.
- Collaboration: Participate in Agile ceremonies, perform code reviews, and contribute to technical documentation.
Technical Skills & Qualifications Core Programming
- Java: Proficiency in Java 17+ with deep knowledge of the Spring Ecosystem (Spring Boot, Spring Security, Spring Data).
- Python: Expert-level Python 3.x skills, with experience in frameworks like FastAPI, Django, or Flask.
Databases & Storage
- Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL solutions (MongoDB, Redis, Cassandra).
- Strong understanding of ORM tools like Hibernate (Java) and SQLAlchemy/Django ORM (Python).
Infrastructure & Tools
- Containerization: Hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
- Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with AWS, GCP, or Azure services (Lambda, EC2, S3, RDS).
- CI/CD: Proficiency with Git and automated deployment pipelines (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or GitLab CI).
- Messaging: Experience with message brokers like Apache Kafka or RabbitMQ for asynchronous processing.
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
- Ability to translate complex business requirements into technical specifications.
- Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
Compensation, Benefits and Duration
Minimum Compensation: USD 46,000
Maximum Compensation: USD 162,000
Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate. The above is a reasonable and a good faith estimate for the role.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, variable pay/incentives, paid time off, and paid holidays are available for full time employees.
This position is not available for independent contractors
No applications will be considered if received more than 120 days after the date of this post
Photon Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
11 East Adams Street Suite 1100, Chicago, IL, United States, 60603
Similar Jobs
Agency • Information Technology
Lead the architecture and development of Python backend infrastructure for agentic AI products. Build multi-agent orchestration, asynchronous APIs, secure tool execution, RAG and memory systems, observability, and security guardrails. Mentor engineers, conduct architectural reviews, and establish backend engineering standards. The role requires extensive experience with AI orchestration frameworks, concurrency, task queues, relational and vector databases, cloud infrastructure, distributed systems, and microservices.
Top Skills:
Arize PhoenixAsyncioAutogenAWSAzureCeleryCrewaiDockerFastapiGCPKubernetesLangchainLanggraphLangsmithOllamaOpentelemetryPgvectorPineconePostgresPydantic V2PytestPythonRabbitMQRedisVllmWeaviate
.jpeg)
Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Information Technology • Machine Learning
Lead early-stage pathfinding and process integration for next-generation DRAM architectures. Develop integrated process flows across lithography, etch, thin films, CMP, metrology, device engineering, and manufacturing. Design DOE experiments and use statistical and AI-assisted analytics to assess electrical, defectivity, reliability, metrology, and yield data. Collaborate with suppliers, research institutions, and internal teams, then transition successful concepts into technology development and production.
Top Skills:
CmpDoeDramHigh-Na Euv LithographyJmpMachine LearningPythonSemiconductor Process IntegrationSQLStatistical Analysis
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Internet of Things • Machine Learning • Analytics • Industrial
Develops and supports secure IAM solutions, partnering with security and IT teams to address customer needs. Coaches teams on agile engineering, quality testing, source control, CI/CD, and technical debt reduction. Improves IAM availability and resiliency while integrating authentication providers and applying DevSecOps, cloud, security architecture, and compliance practices. The role requires extensive systems administration, infrastructure, networking, database, Active Directory, and PAM experience.
Top Skills:
Active DirectoryAmazon Web Services (Aws)Ci/CdCloud ComputingDatabasesDevsecopsIdentity And Access Management (Iam)LinuxAzureNetworkingPrivileged Access Management (Pam)Security TestingSource Code ManagementWindows
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
