Python Tech Lead

We are looking for a Python Tech Lead to join our team! Our client is a global enterprise software company building an AI-powered SaaS documentation platform on Microsoft Azure. The project focuses on enhancing a production-grade platform by improving architecture, CI/CD, test automation, and scalability. We're looking for a hands-on Python Technical Lead who will initially drive technical delivery and later build and lead a small engineering team in Europe. Responsibilities: Lead the technical delivery of a Python engineering team, combining hands-on development with technical leadership and mentoring. Design and drive the platform architecture, focusing on CI/CD, observability, scalability, reliability, and production readiness. Review code, establish engineering best practices, and maintain high code quality in an AI-assisted development environment. Build and evolve a comprehensive test automation strategy (unit, integration, and end-to-end testing) to ensure reliable software delivery. Contribute directly to backend development, CI/CD pipelines, and platform improvements using Python and Microsoft Azure. Coordinate sprint activities, resolve cross-team dependencies, and collaborate closely with distributed engineering teams across Europe, the US, and India. Support the growth of the European engineering team and help establish a self-managed Scrum team. Share expertise in GitLab, CI/CD, and engineering practices through mentoring and knowledge transfer. Requirements: 6-7+ years of commercial experience with Python and hands-on backend development. Previous experience as a Technical Lead or Lead Python Engineer, including architecture design, code reviews, mentoring, and technical decision-making. Experience building or scaling self-managed engineering teams. Strong experience with CI/CD pipelines, preferably GitLab CI (GitHub Actions is a plus). Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, including services such as App Services, Azure Functions, Key Vault, and Storage. Solid understanding of Docker and containerized applications. Experience designing and implementing test automation strategies (unit, integration, and end-to-end testing). Experience with Azure Application Insights or similar observability and monitoring solutions. Excellent communication skills and Upper-Intermediate+ English for collaboration with international stakeholders. Availability for international business trips to the client. Nice to have: Experience defining non-functional requirements (performance, scalability, reliability, security). Knowledge of security and compliance practices, including release governance, vulnerability scanning, and dependency management. Experience working in enterprise environments with SSO, proxies, and compliance requirements. Understanding of Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) concepts (Terraform or Bicep is a plus). Experience with monorepo architecture and tooling. Knowledge of multi-region cloud deployments. Experience with RAG-based applications, Azure AI Search, or AI indexing pipelines. Experience with React or frontend CI/CD. Experience leading teams working in AI-assisted development environments. We offer*: Flexible working format - remote, office-based or flexible A competitive salary and good compensation package Personalized career growth Professional development tools (mentorship program, tech talks and trainings, centers of excellence, and more) Active tech communities with regular knowledge sharing Education reimbursement Memorable anniversary presents Corporate events and team buildings Other location-specific benefits not applicable for freelancers