Lead Python Engineer

Dice is the leading career destination for tech experts at every stage of their careers. Our client, Apex Systems, is seeking the following. Apply via Dice today! Job#: 3029273 Job Description: Apex Systems is currently hiring for a Lead Python Engineer with one of our top clients in the Durham, NC area. Qualified candidates will have the following experience and skills: • Expert-level Python development experience- 8 + years • Strong proficiency with the Django framework. • Deep understanding of SQL and hands-on experience using ORMs (Django ORM preferred). • Experience using Docker for containerized development and test environments. • Solid computer science fundamentals, including software design, data structures, algorithms, and system architecture. Location: Durham, NC-100% remote Duration 6 month contract to hire Pay range: $80- $90 an hour If you are interested, please apply here or email an updated copy of your resume to Role Overview We are seeking a Senior / Lead Python Engineer to take ownership of the design and implementation of a custom, Python-based test harness built from the ground up. This role plays a critical part in enabling release confidence across a rapidly expanding healthcare technology platform by driving end-to-end automation across complex, integrated systems. This is a hands-on engineering role with increased responsibility for system design, technical direction, and engineering best practices. The ideal candidate is a senior-level individual contributor who thrives in ambiguity, thinks holistically about system quality, and enjoys shaping solutions that have a direct, mission-driven impact on healthcare. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Architecture • Lead the design and architecture of a scalable, maintainable Python-based test harness and automation framework. • Make technical decisions around framework structure, tooling, and design patterns to support long-term platform growth. • Define best practices for test strategy, code organization, and maintainability across the automation layer. • Act as a technical mentor and design partner to other engineers, raising overall engineering quality. Hands-On Development • Design, build, and maintain automated end-to-end tests supporting a large suite of genetic testing and healthcare products. • Develop clean, efficient, and well-documented Python and Django code with an emphasis on extensibility and reliability. • Build tooling and automation to support major integration and release milestones. • Write robust SQL queries and leverage ORM capabilities for data validation and test orchestration. • Containerize and manage test environments using Docker. Collaboration & Quality Ownership • Partner closely with application engineers, platform teams, and stakeholders to translate system requirements into test architecture and automation strategy. • Lead troubleshooting and deep technical analysis to diagnose complex system issues. • Drive quality thinking earlier in the development lifecycle, influencing design for testability and reliability. • Champion pragmatic engineering solutions in a fast-moving, evolving environment. Required Qualifications Experience & Background • Senior-level engineering experience with a proven track record of designing and building systems or frameworks from scratch. • Demonstrated ability to own technical solutions end-to-end in ambiguous problem spaces. • Strong background as a software engineer, not primarily QA, SDET, or test-only roles. Technical Skills • Expert-level Python development experience. • Strong proficiency with the Django framework. • Deep understanding of SQL and hands-on experience using ORMs (Django ORM preferred). • Experience using Docker for containerized development and test environments. • Solid computer science fundamentals, including software design, data structures, algorithms, and system architecture. • Ability to balance speed, quality, and long-term maintainability. Education • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Preferred Qualifications • Experience designing systems in AWS or other cloud environments. • Familiarity with Kubernetes (K8s). • Experience with event-driven architectures (Kafka, SQS, RabbitMQ, etc.). • Exposure to AI-assisted development tools. • Public GitHub repositories or sample projects demonstrating system design or framework development. Compensation & Benefits The pay rate for this position is between $80.00 and $90.00 per hour. A comprehensive benefits package is available to eligible employees, which may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401K program, an employee stock purchase program, and professional development resources. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details. Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.