Backend Technical Lead in Portland, Oregon - #71513 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 71513

Backend Technical Lead
Our client is seeking a seasoned Backend Technical Lead to provide hands-on technical leadership for a content-driven platform built on Python and Wagtail CMS. This role will partner closely with frontend engineers to design and extend CMS functionality while owning backend architecture, deployment strategy, and technical decision-making in a cloud-based environment.

This role is fully remote.

Backend Technical Lead Responsibilities

• Lead backend architecture and development efforts for a Wagtail-based CMS, including customization of core behavior, rendering logic, and data models.
• Serve as the technical authority on Wagtail internals, advising on best practices and enabling the frontend team to build advanced custom Blocks, templates, and content workflows.
• Design, deploy, and maintain backend services and CMS infrastructure within Google Cloud Platform environments.
• Guide implementation and optimization of cloud-native services, including application hosting, database configuration, and object storage.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, and design partners to translate requirements into scalable technical solutions.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and maintainability through thoughtful design, reviews, and documentation.

Backend Technical Lead Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Python and Django, with deep hands-on expertise building and extending Wagtail CMS applications.
• Strong understanding of Wagtail internals, including StreamFields/StreamBlocks, templates, and rendering pipelines.
• Proven experience deploying and supporting backend applications on Google Cloud Platform.
• Working knowledge of cloud services such as App Engine, Cloud SQL (PostgreSQL), and Cloud Storage.
• Experience designing and maintaining relational data models in PostgreSQL.
• Ability to lead technically, mentor other engineers, and influence architectural decisions across teams.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment.

Compensation: $65-$80/hr. (DOE)

VanderHouwen Contractors Enjoy Exceptional Benefit Perks!
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you’ll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.

Meet VanderHouwen
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VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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