Backend Engineer - (Python,Flask) / Contract

# BACKEND SOFTWARE ENGINEER
## About the Role
ArenaNet is seeking an experienced Backend Software Engineer to join its Server Engineering team on a 6-month contract. You’ll help build and maintain backend services and APIs supporting critical business systems, working primarily with Python, Flask, MSSQL, and MySQL.
A significant portion of the work will involve an established production codebase. You’ll learn existing architecture, dependencies, design patterns, and business logic, then develop new functionality while maintaining reliability, backward compatibility, performance, and stability. This role is suited to an engineer who can work independently, troubleshoot complex backend issues, and collaborate effectively with engineering and cross-functional teams.
## Key Responsibilities
* Design, develop, test, and maintain backend microservices and RESTful APIs using Python and Flask.
* Develop new functionality within an established production codebase while maintaining existing behavior and compatibility.
* Design and optimize database schemas, SQL queries, and data access patterns using MSSQL and MySQL.
* Investigate existing architecture, dependencies, and business logic to understand the impact of changes across interconnected systems.
* Troubleshoot and resolve backend performance, reliability, and data-related issues.
* Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code.
* Participate in code reviews.
* Identify technical risks, dependencies, and potential impacts before implementing changes.
* Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional partners to understand requirements and develop practical technical solutions.
* Contribute to the reliability, scalability, and maintainability of backend systems.
* Manage assigned projects through completion and proactively communicate risks or blockers.
## Required Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
* 2+ years of professional software engineering experience focused on backend development.
* Strong proficiency in Python.
* Professional experience developing backend applications and services using Flask or a comparable Python web framework.
* Experience designing and developing RESTful APIs and microservices.
* Strong experience with relational databases and SQL, including schema design, query development, and optimization.
* Experience with MSSQL and/or MySQL.
* Experience working effectively within large or established codebases.
* Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to understand unfamiliar systems and trace dependencies.
* Ability to write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code.
* Strong communication and collaboration skills.
* Ability to work independently and manage assigned projects through completion.
## Preferred Qualifications
Experience with any of the following is a plus:
* Redis and caching
* RabbitMQ or other message-queue technologies
* Docker
* Kubernetes
* Git
* Jenkins or other CI/CD tools
* apiDoc or similar API documentation tools
* Supporting high-availability or production backend systems
## Skills & Competencies
* Python
* Flask
* Backend software development
* RESTful APIs
* Microservices
* MSSQL
* MySQL
* SQL
* Relational database design
* Database schema design
* Query development and optimization
* Data access patterns
* Debugging and troubleshooting
* Performance and reliability
* Scalability and maintainability
* Code testing and code reviews
* Technical risk assessment
* Dependency analysis
* Problem-solving
* Independent project ownership
* Communication and collaboration
## Education & Experience
**Education:**
* Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
**Experience:**
* 2+ years of professional software engineering experience with a focus on backend development.
* Professional experience with Python and Flask or a comparable Python web framework.
* Experience with RESTful APIs, microservices, relational databases, and SQL.
* Experience with MSSQL and/or MySQL.
* Experience working within large or established codebases.
## Work Arrangement & Schedule
* **Employment Type:** Contract
* **Contract Duration:** 6 months
* **Work Arrangement:** Remote-friendly
* Candidates local to the Bellevue, WA area are currently prioritized.
* Occasional onsite collaboration may be required for candidates local to Bellevue, WA.
* The source JD does not specify a required weekly schedule or weekend requirement.
* Applications will be accepted until **October 12 at 10:00 AM PT**, unless the deadline is extended or the position is filled earlier.
## Compensation & Benefits
* **Pay Range:** $57.27–$85.92 per hour
* Hourly contract position.
* Overtime pay when applicable.
* Typical offers fall between the minimum and midpoint of the stated range.
* Benefits are available through the third-party employer and include:
* Medical
* Dental
* Vision
* 401(k)
* Flexible spending accounts
* Dependent care accounts
## Compliance / Additional Information
* ArenaNet develops and publishes the Guild Wars game series.
* The position is a contract role supporting the Server Engineering team.
* ArenaNet states that candidates who do not meet every listed qualification are encouraged to apply if they are excited about the role.
* ArenaNet emphasizes diversity across culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and backgrounds.

Work arrangement
Yes