Python Django Backend Developer for REST API Development and Integration

We are looking for an experienced Python Django Developer to develop, improve, and maintain the backend of our web application. The main responsibility will be building secure and scalable REST APIs using Python, Django, and Django REST Framework. The developer will also work on database models, authentication, third-party API integrations, backend performance, testing, and technical documentation. The ideal candidate should have strong experience developing production-ready backend systems and should be comfortable working independently with an existing codebase. Responsibilities • Develop backend functionality using Python and Django. • Build RESTful APIs using Django REST Framework. • Design and optimize database models and queries. • Implement authentication, authorization, and role-based access. • Integrate third-party APIs and external services. • Create API endpoints for frontend or mobile applications. • Implement validation, pagination, filtering, and error handling. • Improve backend performance, reliability, and security. • Write clean, reusable, and maintainable Python code. • Fix existing backend bugs and API issues. • Write unit and API tests. • Prepare API documentation using Swagger or OpenAPI. • Deploy and configure the backend application when required. Required Skills • Strong Python development experience. • Strong experience with Django. • Experience with Django REST Framework. • REST API development and integration. • PostgreSQL or MySQL experience. • Authentication using JWT, OAuth, or session-based authentication. • Git and version-control workflows. • Experience with third-party API integrations. • Understanding of scalable backend architecture. • Experience writing clean and testable code. Preferred Skills • FastAPI. • PostgreSQL. • Redis and Celery. • Docker. • AWS or Microsoft Azure. • SaaS application development. • Payment gateway integration. • AI or API-based integrations. • CI/CD and cloud deployment. • React or another frontend framework. Expected Deliverables • Functional Python and Django backend. • Secure REST API endpoints. • Database models and migrations. • Authentication and authorization implementation. • Third-party API integrations. • API validation and structured error handling. • Unit and integration tests. • Swagger or OpenAPI documentation. • Deployment instructions. • Clean and documented source code. Project Scope The selected developer will review the requirements and existing codebase, identify technical improvements, and prepare an implementation plan. The work may include: • Creating new Django REST API endpoints. • Updating existing API endpoints. • Fixing backend bugs. • Improving database performance. • Integrating external services. • Adding authentication and permissions. • Writing automated tests. • Deploying the application to a cloud environment. Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who: • Has experience with Python and Django backend projects. • Understands backend architecture and API security. • Communicates clearly and provides regular progress updates. • Can identify potential technical issues before they become problems. • Writes maintainable code rather than temporary fixes. • Can complete tasks independently and meet agreed deadlines. Please share examples of relevant Python, Django, Django REST Framework, FastAPI, or REST API projects related to your experience.