Python Developer — AI Integration, Backend Development & Software Quality Assurance

We're looking for an experienced Python Developer who can build, integrate, test, and maintain production-grade software systems. This role is primarily focused on Python development, but the right candidate must also be comfortable working across AI development, Node.js, PHP, MySQL, APIs, and software quality assurance. ∙ Build scalable Python backend services, APIs, automation scripts, and AI-powered features. ∙ Work with existing Node.js and PHP components when integration or maintenance is required. ∙ Design and optimize MySQL databases for reliable application performance. ∙ Apply structured software quality assurance practices before production release. We need practical engineering — clean code, reliable integrations, proper testing, and documentation — not one off scripts that are difficult to maintain. Part A — Python Development Scope 1. Backend Development / API Layer ∙ Build and maintain Python applications using FastAPI, Django, Flask, or an appropriate framework. ∙ Develop secure REST APIs, webhooks, background jobs, and third-party integrations. ∙ Implement authentication, validation, error handling, logging, retries, and performance monitoring. ∙ Write modular, maintainable code using clean architecture and reusable services. 2. AI Development & Integration ∙ Integrate AI/LLM APIs such as OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, or similar services. ∙ Build AI-powered automation, data-processing, classification, summarization, or intelligent workflow features. ∙ Implement prompt management, structured outputs, validation, retries, and guardrails for production use. ∙ Connect AI services with internal applications, databases, APIs, and business workflows. 3. Database Development — MySQL ∙ Design, query, and optimize MySQL databases, tables, relationships, and indexes. ∙ Write efficient SQL queries and support database migrations, backups, and data integrity. ∙ Troubleshoot slow queries and application/database integration issues. 4. Node.js & PHP Integration ∙ Read, debug, modify, or integrate existing Node.js and PHP code where required. ∙ Build API connections between Python services and Node.js/PHP applications. ∙ Support gradual modernization of legacy components without disrupting production systems. 5. Software Quality Assurance ∙ Create and execute functional, regression, integration, API, and basic performance tests. ∙ Write automated tests for Python services and validate critical workflows before deployment. ∙ Identify bugs, document reproducible issues, verify fixes, and support release readiness. ∙ Maintain a quality-first development process with code reviews and test coverage where appropriate. Part B — Development & Delivery Responsibilities ∙ Analyze requirements and recommend a practical technical approach before development begins. ∙ Work with Git-based version control and maintain clear, meaningful commits. ∙ Support deployment, environment configuration, troubleshooting, and production fixes. ∙ Document APIs, setup instructions, technical decisions, and major workflows. ∙ Communicate progress, blockers, and technical risks clearly during the project. Deliverables ∙ Production-ready Python source code and required integrations. ∙ AI features and automation workflows implemented and tested. ∙ MySQL database changes, scripts, or migrations where applicable. ∙ Node.js/PHP integration or maintenance work required by the project. ∙ QA test results, bug fixes, and release validation. ∙ Technical documentation and handover notes. Budget & Timeline Budget: $3000 Project length: 1 to 3 months, with potential for ongoing work Required Skills & Expertise Development (must-have) ∙ Python — strong professional experience ∙ AI development and API integration ∙ Node.js ∙ PHP ∙ MySQL ∙ REST API development, webhooks, and integrations ∙ Git and production debugging Software Quality Assurance (must-have) ∙ Functional, regression, integration, and API testing ∙ Bug identification, documentation, and verification ∙ Automated testing experience for backend services ∙ Strong attention to reliability, edge cases, and production quality Bonus ∙ FastAPI, Django, or Flask ∙ OpenAI / Claude / Gemini APIs ∙ Docker, CI/CD, AWS, GCP, or Azure ∙ Automation tools such as n8n, Make.com, or Zapier ∙ PostgreSQL, Redis, Celery, or message queues Ideal Freelancer / Developer ∙ 3+ years of professional software development experience ∙ Has shipped real production applications, not only prototypes ∙ Strong problem-solving and debugging skills across multiple technologies ∙ Able to work independently while communicating clearly with the team ∙ Writes clean, maintainable, documented code ∙ Available for regular progress updates and technical discussions Screening Questions Please answer the following in your proposal: ∙ Share 1–2 Python projects you have built for production. What was your role and what did you personally develop? ∙ Describe one AI feature or AI integration you have implemented using Python. ∙ How comfortable are you working with Node.js, PHP, and MySQL alongside a Python codebase? ∙ What is your approach to software quality assurance before releasing a backend feature to production? ∙ Which Python framework do you prefer for API-heavy applications, and why? About the Engagement This role is suitable for a developer who can take ownership of backend development while also supporting AI integration, cross-stack maintenance, database work, and software quality. Strong performance may lead to ongoing development and maintenance work. Please do not send a generic proposal. We will shortlist candidates based on relevant Python experience, AI development examples, cross-stack capability, QA discipline, and clear answers to the screening questions.