Senior Python Engineer (Document App)

As a Senior Python Engineer at PandaDoc, your chief responsibilities include taking ownership of the Editor domain, implementing new features, reviewing architectural designs, and conducting thorough code reviews. You'll need to collaborate closely with various teams to ensure the quick and quality delivery of updates, monitor bug reports and user feedback, and maintain a high standard of performance and uptime. This role involves both technical and product ownership, making it crucial to understand the product's functionality from a client's perspective.

To qualify for the Senior Python Engineer role at PandaDoc, candidates must have a minimum of 4 years of development experience with Python and a solid understanding of AsyncIO. Familiarity with relational databases, message queues such as RabbitMQ or Kafka, and experience in Amazon Web Services and Kubernetes are also essential. Hands-on knowledge in service-oriented architecture and CI/CD practices, along with a commitment to producing high-quality code, are key attributes we look for in a candidate.

PandaDoc offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment for a Senior Python Engineer. Though the position is fully remote, the culture emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, with opportunities to visit offices in Warsaw, Lisbon, or Kyiv. The engineering team thrives on innovation, with room for creativity and technical growth. You'll be joining a diverse group of passionate professionals committed to building quality products while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.

At PandaDoc, maintaining high technical quality is paramount. As a Senior Python Engineer, you'll be responsible for reviewing architectural designs and contributing to code quality through detailed reviews. You'll also engage in monitoring system performance and stability and addressing any bugs or user feedback that arise, ensuring a robust and reliable product. The culture encourages ongoing learning and knowledge sharing, making it easier to uphold these standards.

In the Senior Python Engineer position at PandaDoc, you will work with a range of advanced technologies. Our tech stack includes Python using AsyncIO frameworks, AWS for cloud services, and Kubernetes for orchestration. You’ll also interact with various tools and frameworks, including PostgreSQL, RabbitMQ for message queuing, and streaming tools like Kafka. This environment keeps you on the cutting edge of the latest technology trends and practices in software development.

Working with Python in a remote team can present challenges such as communication gaps and managing code collaboration across different time zones. To overcome these issues, it's essential to utilize tools effectively, such as version control systems, and maintain clear documentation. Sharing insights and code contributes to the overall quality of the project while building strong team cohesion despite the physical distance.

Ensuring code quality involves several practices. Regular code reviews, adherence to coding standards, and implementing automated testing are key components. As a Senior Python Engineer, I prioritize writing clean, readable code and encourage my team to follow best practices in development. Continuous integration and delivery processes are fundamental to maintaining high-quality standards throughout the software lifecycle.

My experience with AsyncIO in Python focuses on building asynchronous applications that require high performance and scalability. I have implemented various features using AsyncIO, which allows for handling concurrent operations efficiently. Understanding concepts like event loops and coroutines has been essential in creating responsive applications that can scale under high load.

Optimizing database performance involves a combination of approaches, including writing efficient queries, creating appropriate indexes, and regularly monitoring query execution plans. I also emphasize using caching strategies and analyzing slow queries to identify potential bottlenecks. Keeping our database schema well-structured helps ensure optimal performance as application demands grow.

Addressing bugs and technical debt starts with a proactive approach. I prioritize maintaining a well-documented codebase and encourage my team to report issues actively. Regular bug triaging sessions help identify critical fixes. For technical debt, I advocate for setting aside time during sprints to refactor code and improve existing systems gradually, ensuring the overall robustness of our applications.

The rapidly evolving tech landscape motivates me to keep learning and refining my skills as a Senior Python Engineer. I find it rewarding to explore new frameworks, tools, and methodologies that enhance my productivity and the quality of my work. Networking with other professionals and participating in tech meetups or workshops fosters a growth mindset, allowing me to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

I have extensive experience managing cloud infrastructure using AWS services, including EC2, S3, and RDS. Kubernetes has been pivotal in orchestrating our containerized applications, ensuring scalability and ease of deployment. I believe a strong understanding of these tools allows for creating robust and highly available applications in the cloud, making them essential for modern software engineering.

Collaboration is crucial in my work as a Senior Python Engineer. It encourages knowledge sharing, helps solve complex problems faster, and fosters innovation. I value open communication and actively seek input from my peers to enhance our projects. Establishing a supportive environment ensures everyone's ideas are heard, leading to strong contributions from the entire team.

When managing multiple projects, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I often employ project management tools to visualize workloads and deadlines. Regular check-ins with the team allow us to align on priorities and adapt to changing demands. It’s vital to remain flexible and ensure that we focus our energy on high-impact tasks that align with the company’s objectives.

My approach to mentoring junior developers is hands-on and supportive. I prioritize building a relationship that encourages open dialogue, allowing them to express concerns and ask questions freely. I provide guidance on both technical topics and soft skills, sharing best practices and leading code reviews. Planning pair programming sessions is a great way to foster learning and collaboration, while setting clear goals helps them grow in their roles.