Strong backend experience with Python/Django building reliable, scalable, and observable services (TypeScript/Node.js is a bonus) Advanced experience with React (and ideally frameworks like Next.js) Experience architecting, building, debugging and operating distributed systems at scale (benefit) Familiarity with AWS primitives (S3, SQS, Lambda, RDS, etc.) Familiarity with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and data modeling/querying/optimization Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs Experience building event-driven systems Experience working with data integrations across services Proven ability to lead complex technical projects, own design decisions, balance tradeoffs, and guide implementation Proactively coach and support teammates, foster growth through mentorship, and contribute to a culture of feedback Navigate ambiguity with confidence, clarify priorities, align stakeholders, and drive toward outcomes Used AI tooling for work or personal use, explores new tools/workflows, eager to deepen AI understanding