Python Application Engineer
Type: Contract
Duration: Through end of 2026, with potential extension based on funding
Work Setup: Primarily remote; preference for candidates within service territory / Bay Area is ideal

Notes: Current environment is heavily driven by GIS-based data, SQL, and Python scripts. The team already has a good handle on the analytics / scripting side, but their biggest gap is around turning those internally built tools into usable web applications and getting them deployed properly on client's servers.
Biggest pain point called out on the call was application deployment. They need someone who can take ownership of the web development / deployment side, as the current team does not have strong experience on the server side and does not have time to keep troubleshooting those issues internally.

This person will likely be the go-to resource for:

• Deploying internal Python web applications to client's servers environments
• Supporting apps hosted on Windows Server / SQL Server
• Handling server-side setup, troubleshooting, and permissions-related issues
• Creating logs and documentation
• Helping bring more structure to how these applications are deployed and maintained

They also mentioned this is not really a cloud-first environment today. IT may be transitioning toward AWS at some point, but for this team’s immediate need, they want someone who can work in a more traditional internal server environment and deploy applications in that setup.
Overall, more of a Python application support / deployment-oriented role with some web development, server troubleshooting, and SQL/database support mixed in.
Focus:

• Python web applications
• Windows Server environments
• SQL Server
• IIS / WSGI / application deployment
• Supporting internally hosted business applications
• Troubleshooting application/server/database issues
• Writing documentation and logs
• Working in enterprise environments where infrastructure is more traditional / on-prem style

Titles that may align

• Python Application Engineer
• Application Support Engineer
• Python Backend Engineer
• Python Web Developer
• Deployment Engineer
• Backend Developer (only if they have deployment / server-side support experience)

Overview:

• Team is engaging vendor support to assist with the deployment, configuration, maintenance, and operational support of internally developed web applications used to support planning workflows and business operations.
• These applications are primarily developed using Python based frameworks and are hosted within Client’s internal Windows Server infrastructure with Microsoft SQL Server database integration.
• Vendor support will focus on ensuring reliable deployment, secure configuration, system stability, and maintainability of these internally hosted tools across development and production environments.

Areas of Support
Application Deployment & Environment Support

• Deployment of Python based web applications to Windows Server environments
• Configuration and support of IIS or comparable enterprise web hosting platforms
• Setup and troubleshooting of WSGI based application deployments
• Management of application dependencies and runtime environments
• Configuration of application settings, environment variables, and permissions
• Support for secure handling of configuration files and credentials
• Troubleshooting and communication of server side errors, application failures, or permission issues
• Coordination with internal IT teams where administrative privileges or infrastructure support are required
• Establishment of a self service process foundation on which repeatable applications can be easily deployed across production environments

Database Integration

• Integration of web applications with Microsoft SQL Server databases
• Development and optimization of SQL queries, views, or stored procedures
• Management of database connections from application environments
• Support for connectivity tools such as ODBC, pyodbc, or SQLAlchemy
• Troubleshooting performance or connectivity issues between application and database layers
• Assistance in identifying root causes of issues across application, database, or infrastructure components

Application Development & Maintenance

• Support for Python based application development using frameworks such as Django, Flask, or Dash
• Maintenance or enhancement of internal data driven web applications
• Development of user facing functionality such as forms, filtering tools, workflows, and data exports
• Support for REST APIs or internal server side endpoints
• Implementation or support of authentication and user access controls
• Debugging of front end and back end components
• Use of Git or comparable version control tools

Documentation

• Documentation of deployment procedures and environment configurations
• Maintenance of application setup and dependency documentation
• Development of troubleshooting or recovery guides
• Tracking of changes made across development or production environments

Monitoring & Logging

• Configuration or support of application logging
• Identification and use of server, application, or database logs
• Troubleshooting of failures using available logging information
• Support for visibility into system failures or performance issues
• Recommendation or implementation of basic monitoring or alerting capabilities, as appropriate

Preferred Supporting Experience

• Deploying Python applications within Windows Server and IIS environments
• Working with Microsoft Power BI integrations
• Supporting applications utilizing geospatial datasets
• Communicating technical issues and system behavior to non technical stakeholders
• Experience with AWS. Potential Client may shift to AWS at some point in the near future.

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 60.00/hr.