Tech Lead - Backend Engineering
First seen by Alion on Sep 15, 2026.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead technical design for scalable backend services, RESTful APIs, and event-driven microservices using Python and FastAPI.
- Own service architecture, API contracts, database models, integration patterns, and non-functional requirements such as reliability, scalability, latency, security, and observability.
- Review technical designs, pull requests, database changes, and operational plans for correctness, maintainability, performance, security, and production readiness.
- Guide the team in building robust Postgres-backed systems, including schema design, query optimization, indexing strategy, transactions, and data integrity practices.
- Drive cloud-native and serverless implementation on AWS, including Lambda functions, S3-based workflows, SQS queues, IAM-aware integrations, and event-driven architecture.
- Take ownership of assigned services across the full lifecycle, including design, delivery, deployment, monitoring, incident response, reliability improvements, and technical debt management.
- Mentor backend engineers through design discussions, code reviews, pairing, feedback, knowledge sharing, and guidance on engineering best practices.
- Set and uphold engineering standards for clean Python code, testability, documentation, security, observability, and operational excellence.
- Troubleshoot complex production issues across APIs, Postgres queries, queues, Lambda executions, S3 workflows, and service-to-service integrations.
- Collaborate with product managers, QA, DevOps, data, and frontend engineers to convert ambiguous requirements into practical delivery plans and resilient technical solutions.
Must-have requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Relevant experience:
- 4 - 6 years of professional backend engineering experience, including experience leading technical design, reviewing work, and owning production services.
Tech Stack:
- Python, FastAPI, Postgres, AWS (Lambda, S3, SQS), Microservices Architecture.
Mentorship and leadership:
- Must have experience mentoring engineers, providing constructive code and design feedback, improving team practices, and helping developers grow technically.
Collaboration and ownership:
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, communicate technical tradeoffs clearly, and own backend systems through delivery, production support, and continuous improvement.
Skills
Python, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, AWS Lambda, AWS, SQL, System Architecture, Microservices Architecture, Backend Architecture