Python Developer Job Description
Hire a Python Developer to design, build and maintain backend systems, APIs and automation that power your products. This template helps you set clear expectations for technical skills, day-to-day duties and the outcomes you want from the role.
What does a Python Developer professional do?
A Python Developer writes and maintains server-side applications and scripts. For hiring, specify the tech stack (Django/Flask/async frameworks), level of seniority, and whether the role includes cloud, data or DevOps responsibilities.
Python Developer job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Python Developer
About the role
[Company name] is looking for a Python Developer to join our engineering team. You will build and maintain scalable backend systems, write well-tested code, and work with product, QA and operations to deliver features to production. This is a [full-time/part-time/contract] role based in [Location] with [remote / hybrid / on-site] working available. To apply, submit your CV and a brief summary of relevant projects to [contact email / application link].
Key responsibilities
- Design, implement and maintain backend services and REST/GraphQL APIs in Python.
- Translate requirements into clean, tested, production-ready code following team standards.
- Write and maintain automated unit, integration and end-to-end tests.
- Collaborate with product managers, frontend engineers and designers to deliver features.
- Participate in code reviews and give constructive feedback to peers.
- Optimise existing code and database queries for performance and scalability.
- Troubleshoot and resolve production incidents; contribute to post-incident reviews.
- Document architecture, APIs and operational runbooks where required.
Essential skills and experience
- Proven experience developing applications in Python 3.
- Experience with at least one Python web framework (for example Django or Flask).
- Practical knowledge of relational databases and SQL; experience with an ORM (e.g. SQLAlchemy or Django ORM).
- Familiarity with version control using Git and collaborative workflows (feature branches, pull requests).
- Experience writing automated tests and using CI tools to run them.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and clear technical communication in English.
- Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
Desirable
- Experience with asynchronous Python frameworks (e.g. FastAPI, aiohttp) or background-job systems (Celery, RQ).
- Familiarity with containerisation (Docker) and basic orchestration concepts.
- Experience deploying services to cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) or using serverless approaches.
- Knowledge of observability tools (logging, metrics, tracing) and incident management.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code or feature flagging.
- Exposure to frontend technologies (HTML/CSS/JS) or TypeScript in a full-stack context.
What we offer
- [Competitive salary – enter band or range here]
- Flexible / hybrid working options
- Pension scheme
- Annual leave entitlement [insert details]
- Training and professional development budget
- Private healthcare or employee assistance programme (if offered)
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Python Developer role?
A Python Developer builds and maintains server-side software, backend APIs and automation used by products and services. They translate business requirements into reliable, testable code, optimise performance, and work across engineering disciplines to release and operate software in production. The role commonly includes testing, code review, troubleshooting and collaboration with product teams to prioritise technical work.
Day-to-day
Writing backend code, building APIs, reviewing pull requests, and fixing production issues.
Typical tech
Python 3, Django/Flask/FastAPI, SQL databases, Git, unit testing and CI.
Team
Works with other developers, product managers, QA and operations; may mentor junior engineers.
Impact
Delivery quality, system reliability and maintainable code that supports product goals.
Typical Python Developer responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Design
Design, implement and maintain backend services and REST/GraphQL APIs in Python.
Translate requirements into clean
Translate requirements into clean, tested, production-ready code following team standards.
Write
Write and maintain automated unit, integration and end-to-end tests.
Collaborate with product managers
Collaborate with product managers, frontend engineers and designers to deliver features.
Participate in code reviews
Participate in code reviews and give constructive feedback to peers.
Optimise existing code
Optimise existing code and database queries for performance and scalability.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and resolve production incidents; contribute to post-incident reviews.
Document architecture
Document architecture, APIs and operational runbooks where required.
Python Developer skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Proven experience developing applications in Python 3.
- Experience with at least one Python web framework (for example Django or Flask).
- Practical knowledge of relational databases and SQL; experience with an ORM (e.g. SQLAlchemy or Django ORM).
- Familiarity with version control using Git and collaborative workflows (feature branches, pull requests).
- Experience writing automated tests and using CI tools to run them.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and clear technical communication in English.
- Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
Useful where relevant
- Experience with asynchronous Python frameworks (e.g. FastAPI, aiohttp) or background-job systems (Celery, RQ).
- Familiarity with containerisation (Docker) and basic orchestration concepts.
- Experience deploying services to cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) or using serverless approaches.
- Knowledge of observability tools (logging, metrics, tracing) and incident management.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code or feature flagging.
- Exposure to frontend technologies (HTML/CSS/JS) or TypeScript in a full-stack context.
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Python Developer job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Be specific about the tech stack
List the Python version, frameworks and key services you expect the candidate to use day-to-day so applicants can self-assess fit.
State seniority and scope
Clarify if the role is junior, mid-level or senior and whether it includes architecture, on-call or team leadership responsibilities.
Describe the product and outcomes
Explain what the team builds and the main responsibilities — for example, internal tools, customer-facing APIs or data processing.
Set test and interview expectations
Tell candidates whether there will be take-home tasks, live coding or system-design interviews and how long each stage takes.
Python Developer salary considerations
Salaries for Python Developers vary widely. Instead of a single market figure, consider the factors below when setting your pay band or budget for the role.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Python Developer candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What does the current tech stack and architecture look like?
Senior candidates will want details on frameworks, databases, deployment model and any legacy systems they will inherit.
Is the role remote, hybrid or on-site?
Be clear about expectations for office attendance, home working allowances and any relocation support.
What is the size and structure of the engineering team?
Candidates want to know reporting lines, peer levels and opportunities for mentorship or leadership.
Are there on-call or out-of-hours responsibilities?
Explain rota expectations, compensation for on-call duties and support provided during incidents.
What does the interview process involve and how long will it take?
Detail stages (screen, technical task, interview), expected timelines and any sample tasks.
Where to post a Python Developer job
Target a mix of broad UK job boards and developer-focused channels to reach Python talent. Use specialist tech job boards, programming communities and professional networks for senior or niche roles, while local job boards and university careers services can help attract junior candidates. Tailor distribution by seniority and whether you require sector experience (for example fintech or data engineering).
Related technology / software engineering job descriptions
Recruiting for a slightly different role? These templates may be a closer fit.
Python Developer job description FAQs
Should I include a coding test for all applicants?
Use a staged approach: a short technical screen first to filter for basics, then a focused take-home or live exercise for shortlisted candidates. Keep tasks realistic and time-limited to respect applicants’ time.
How do I assess code quality during interviews?
Ask candidates to walk through a code sample or pull request they wrote, evaluate test coverage, design choices and clarity of documentation, and include a short pairing session where they explain trade-offs.
What information should I publish in the advert to reduce unsuitable applications?
Be explicit about required experience level, key technologies, remote/office expectations and any essential responsibilities such as on-call or client-facing work.
Can I hire a Python Developer without a degree?
Yes. Many strong candidates have alternative backgrounds. Focus on demonstrable experience, portfolio projects, open-source contributions or relevant work history rather than solely on formal qualifications.
Ready to hire a Python Developer?
Use this template to create your advert, adapt the tech stack and requirements, and spread the vacancy across developer-focused and general channels to reach suitable candidates.
