Backend Software Engineer - Python/Postgres [Remote / Global]

Role overview This is a remote, full-time backend engineering role on a small, mission-driven team that builds software to support millions of smallholder coffee farmers worldwide. The work centers on Python and PostgreSQL/PostGIS services running in containers on AWS, with a focus on systems that ingest farm data, validate inputs, and power deforestation detection models for a regulated EU compliance program. The team values clear communication, humility, and comfort working across ambiguous requirements.

Responsibilities - Develop and maintain backend services for a regulated compliance program, refining geospatial workflows and strengthening data checks and error handling. - Investigate issues escalated by the Support team, tracing through data, assumptions, and system behavior to identify root causes and ship fixes. - Clarify ambiguous or evolving requirements and translate them into practical engineering work. - Adapt the system as regulators release new guidance, interpreting implications and updating services to remain consistent and compliant. - Apply and maintain Terraform-based AWS infrastructure changes for the services you own, contribute to CI/CD pipelines, and improve observability and resilience over time.

Requirements - At least seven years of full-time professional experience as a backend software engineer. - Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent training in software engineering principles. - Extensive experience with Python, including building applications and complex data processing pipelines; familiarity with Django or Flask. - Advanced experience with PostgreSQL, including query optimization, joins, stored procedures, and performance tuning. - Practical experience with Linux, Bash scripting, Docker containers, and AWS services such as EC2, RDS, and CloudFront. - Strong ability to present complex technical ideas clearly to non-technical colleagues and to teach design patterns to others.

Nice to have - Comfort working in a fully distributed, remote-first environment. - Interest in geospatial data, regulated domains, or sustainability-focused technology.

Benefits and work setup - Fully remote, full-time position with a distributed team. - Full benefits package including 401(k) with matching, medical/dental/vision coverage, FSA, four weeks of vacation in addition to thirteen standard holidays, and personal/sick time. - Hires outside the US receive locally competitive compensation paid in relevant local currency, with benefits adjusted to regional requirements. - Structured interview process totaling approximately five hours of conversations plus preparation time, typically completed in four to six weeks.