Contract AWS Backend Developer

The Motley Fool is looking for a highly skilled Freelance Backend Developer with strong python skills. The ideal candidate will be at the forefront of our AI integration initiatives, working across teams to develop AI-based prototypes that can eventually be automated to production-grade solutions. 

This is a senior-level contract role that requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. This is an independent contract position that will require roughly 40 hours of work per week for at least 12 months.

The role is 100% remote, but candidates must be willing to have at least some schedule overlap with US-based teammates. 

Who are we?

The Motley Fool is a purpose-driven financial services company on a mission to make the world smarter, happier, and richer. For 30 years we’ve been helping people make better investment decisions through transparency, education, and Foolish fun. We’re a fast-moving, collaborative team that values high-quality work, curiosity, and initiative. We care deeply about what we do, and we’re driven by the impact our work has on real people’s financial futures.

What does this team do? 

Renowned for our commitment to making the world smarter, happier, and richer, we're at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge AI and ML technologies into our operations. This team creates AI prototypes to be automated to production-grade solutions.  

What would you do in this role? 

You’ll be in a cross-functional team building AWS-native AI solutions. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is adept with all things AWS and development in the cloud, and is eager to move quickly and proactively. 

Okay, but what would you actually do in this role? 

• Architect and implement scalable AWS-native systems.
• Using Python, connect various internal tools with third party API’s
• Utilize Infra-as-Code practices to automate and manage cloud-based resources efficiently, ensuring scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure for all internal tools and applications.
• Foster a proactive and adaptable approach to project challenges and evolving requirements.
• Display enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring within the team, especially in pushing forward technical skill sets and project management techniques.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 5+ years development experience 
• 2+ years of experience in cloud-based development 
• Experience with AWS services such as DynamoDB, Lambda, EventBridge, SQS, and API Gateway, and a particular interest in serverless architecture.
• Experience with Terraform for Infrastructure as Code (IaC), enabling automated and reproducible infrastructure setups, scaling, and management across cloud environments.
• Experience with Docker
• Strong online collaboration and communication skills, crucial for a fully remote working environment.

Even better if you have:

• Experience with front-end technologies, notably React or Next.JS, for seamless integration with front-end focused developments, a plus.
• A passion for long term investing and/or familiarity with The Motley Fool’s tools and services 
• Data Engineering experience.