(Contract) Backend Engineer

Type: Contract, per-project.
Location: Remote — within European time zones (GMT to GMT+2).
Availability: Contractor (40 hours per week)

What we are looking for
We are seeking a thoughtful Senior Backend Developer to help shape the future of our tools for storytellers. You’ll work closely with product and design teams to deeply understand user needs, untangle complexity, and deliver intuitive, elegant solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-performance backend tools for the media industry.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions aligned with customer needs.
• Interact with media processing pipelines when necessary, requiring some understanding of video transcoding workflows.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and contribute ideas, including AI-assisted development.

YOUR PROFILE
Technical Skills:

• Strong Python programming experience.
• Expertise in Django for API development and backend services.
• Solid experience with PostgreSQL databases and data modeling.
• Knowledge of Redis for caching and message brokering.
• Familiarity with Elasticsearch for search and analytics.
• Understanding of media processing pipelines and video transcoding workflows.
• Awareness or experience with AI-assisted development tools.

Nice-to-have

• Experience with video streaming protocols (HLS, DASH, WebRTC) and tools (FFmpeg, Dolby, Hybrik)

Soft Skills / Work Approach:

• Pragmatic, balancing quality code and speed of delivery.
• Collaborative, able to work with product, design, and other teams.
• Curious and analytical, interested in the “why” behind projects.
• Adaptable and willing to learn new technologies quickly.

What you’ll get in return

• Opportunities to learn new technologies and tackle challenging problems, growing as a developer.
• Remote-first work environment with the option to spend time in the office.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on how the media industry works and collaborates.

(*) SOUTHWORKS only hires individuals from countries that are not blocked or sanctioned by the United States, including those identified on the United States Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC).