Lead Backend Software Engineer – Python/Kotlin/AWS

By myKelly | August 24, 2026

Lead Backend Software Engineer - Python/Kotlin/AWS

Apply On Motion Recruitment Applied

Job ID: mrp-885947

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Waltham, ,

Information Technology

Full Time,

$173000 - $234000

On-site

Other/Non Classified

Waltham, ,

$173000 - $234000

Full Time,

Other/Non Classified

On-site

Information Technology

Apply On Motion Recruitment Applied

Job details

Job Description
A rapidly growing technology-driven organization is seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer to help build and scale mission-critical platforms that support high-volume, real-time production environments. Based in Waltham, MA (Hybrid), this role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who thrives in fast-paced engineering cultures where production code is deployed and delivered continuously throughout the day.
As a Lead Backend Engineer, you will balance technical leadership with active software development, guiding a team while remaining deeply involved in architecture, coding, and delivery. You will play a key role in shaping backend systems, advancing cloud-native infrastructure, and driving adoption of AI-powered development practices and solutions.
This position offers the opportunity to influence technical strategy, mentor engineers, and build highly scalable systems leveraging modern cloud technologies and AI-driven innovation.
Required Skills & Experience

  • 10+ years of experience in Backend Software Engineering
  • 2+ years of experience leading or managing software engineering teams
  • Expert-level proficiency with Python and modern backend development practices
  • Professional experience with Kotlin in production environments
  • Strong AWS cloud platform experience, including designing and operating distributed systems
  • Experience building and supporting highly available, scalable microservices architectures
  • Hands-on engineering leader who actively contributes production code
  • Experience working in fast-paced environments with frequent production deployments
  • Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure automation, and cloud-native engineering
  • Strong understanding of software design, system architecture, observability, and performance optimization
  • Experience mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence across teams
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

Desired Skills & Experience

  • Experience leading platform engineering, developer experience (DevEx), or infrastructure-focused teams
  • AI/ML experience, including implementing AI-powered tools, workflows, or products
  • Experience with Agentic AI, AI-assisted software development, or SDLC automation
  • Kubernetes (K8s) experience
  • Infrastructure-as-Code experience (Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar)
  • Experience with build tools such as Maven, Gradle, or Nx
  • Familiarity with testing frameworks and modern observability platforms
  • Experience working with globally distributed engineering teams

What You Will Be Doing
Daily Responsibilities

  • 70% Hands-On Development
  • 30% Team Leadership, Architecture, and Strategic Planning

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of backend engineers while remaining an active contributor to the codebase
  • Design, build, and scale cloud-native backend services using Python and Kotlin
  • Architect and optimize AWS-based distributed systems
  • Drive delivery of production-ready software in an environment where code is released continuously throughout the day
  • Champion engineering best practices including testing, observability, reliability, and operational excellence
  • Mentor and develop engineers through technical guidance, code reviews, and career coaching
  • Partner with product, platform, and engineering leaders to define technical roadmaps
  • Implement AI-driven capabilities and automate software development lifecycle processes
  • Improve developer productivity through enhanced tooling, automation, and platform capabilities
  • Ensure system reliability, scalability, security, and performance across all services

The Offer

  • Base Salary: $173,000 – $234,000
  • Annual performance-based bonus opportunity
  • Hybrid work model in Waltham, MA
  • Opportunity to help shape the future of AI-enabled software engineering and platform development
  • Leadership position with significant technical influence and growth opportunities

You will receive the following benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Benefits
  • Vision Benefits
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401(k)
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Parental Leave

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis now and in the future.

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