Hands-on Application Cloud Architect (Python Back-End Focus)

Package Description

Joining Serco amazing team offers:

• Competitive Salary
• Great career opportunities
• Corporate Benefits Package
• International environment
• Possible hybrid work

Job Introduction

Serco is the preferred partner for European institutions and international organisations, offering ICT services and contact centre management across Europe. Our expertise extends from information system support to consultancy under government frameworks, supporting key entities such as the European Commission and executive agencies. As a leader in service integration and management, we ensure seamless delivery of services across various platforms, embodying our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our work.

We are hiring Hands-on Application Cloud Architect (Python back-end focus) for the EU Commission in Brussels, Belgium, and various locations around Europe. The position is open to both employees and freelance contractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect server-side components and services that form the core of scalable web applications, applying best practices in Python development.
• Develop, maintain and evolve RESTful APIs to enable efficient and secure communication between front-end and back-end systems.
• Design, implement and optimise database schemas and queries to ensure efficient and reliable data storage, retrieval and processing.
• Ensure robust database security by implementing appropriate access controls and safeguards, maintaining compliance with data protection standards.
• Improve application performance by identifying bottlenecks and optimising server-side code, data processing logic and database queries.
• Design and implement scalable architectures capable of supporting growing user loads and increasing data volumes, leveraging cloud services and containerisation technologies.
• Conduct regular code reviews and use vulnerability scanning tools to identify, assess and mitigate potential security risks.
• Implement and enforce security protocols and standards to protect applications against threats and ensure data privacy and integrity.
• Collaborate closely with front-end developers, UI/UX designers, product managers and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality web application solutions.
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications and adapt implementations based on feedback and evolving needs.
• Design, implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines to automate testing, integration and deployment processes, enabling consistent and reliable application delivery.
• Support application deployment in cloud environments using infrastructure-as-code and configuration management practices.
• Investigate, troubleshoot and resolve issues identified during testing or reported in production environments.
• Produce and maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation supporting development, deployment and operational activities.

Skills

• Strong proficiency in Python programming and experience with modern web frameworks such as Django, Flask or FastAPI.
• Experience using code quality and formatting tools such as pylint, black and flake8 to enforce development standards and maintain high-quality codebases.
• Experience using AI-powered development assistants such as Amazon Q or GitHub Copilot, with awareness of emerging AI-driven tools supporting modern software development.
• Strong understanding of RESTful API design principles and implementation best practices.
• Solid experience with relational databases such as Oracle or PostgreSQL and non-relational databases such as Elasticsearch or MongoDB.
• Excellent knowledge of object-relational mapping (ORM), database schema design and query optimisation techniques.
• Strong experience with containerisation technologies such as Docker or Podman and orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes.
• Knowledge of vulnerability scanning tools and secure development practices, including authentication, authorisation and encryption mechanisms, aligned with recognised standards such as OWASP.
• Experience with code versioning and source control systems such as Git or SVN.
• Experience working with DevSecOps and CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI or GitHub Actions.
• Familiarity with configuration management and automation tools such as Ansible.
• Experience managing virtual machines and working in Linux-based environments.
• Good understanding of Agile development methodologies and collaborative software development practices.

Personal Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to diagnose complex technical issues and propose effective solutions.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to integrate and work effectively within international and multicultural teams.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality technical solutions.
• Ability to write clean, efficient and maintainable code following recognised development standards and best practices.
• Ability to design and execute unit and integration tests to ensure code quality, reliability and maintainability.
• Ability to produce clear, structured and comprehensive technical documentation.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken (minimum C1 level).
• High level of discretion and integrity, particularly when working with systems that manage personal or confidential data.