[Remote] Senior Python Backend Developer (Django/FastAPI) | Remote (LATAM, North Africa & Western Europe Only)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Ascend is a membership-based travel concierge service that provides 24/7 journey management for travelers. They are seeking a Senior Python Backend Developer to lead the development of Python-based web applications using Django and FastAPI, architect scalable solutions, and integrate AI-assisted development into their engineering practices.ResponsibilitiesLead development of features using Django and FastAPIArchitect and implement scalable web applicationsEstablish technical standards for our Python codebase, including standards for AI-assisted contributionsOptimize our cloud infrastructure (Railway, with selective AWS usage)Build and maintain the AI tooling, prompts, and skills the engineering team relies on day-to-day, and treat that work as a real engineering deliverable rather than a side projectHelp define the company-wide policies, guardrails, and enablement that let teams across Ascend use AI tools effectively without creating IP, security, or data-handling riskMentor developers, conduct thorough code reviews, and help raise the bar for how we evaluate AI-assisted workCollaborate with product managers and designersImplement testing and evaluation strategies, including for workflows that involve AI in the loopEvaluate new technologies, AI and otherwise, to enhance our tech stackSkills5+ years of Python web development experienceStrong proficiency with Django and FastAPI frameworksExpert knowledge of web development best practicesExperience with PostgreSQL and ORM frameworksSolid understanding of front-end technologiesAdvanced Git skills and collaborative workflowsExperience with Agile methodologies and CI/CDDemonstrable experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code, Copilot) on production work, with sound judgment about when AI output needs more scrutiny or reworkExcellent problem-solving and communication skillsAbility to balance technical excellence with business needsExperience with AWS services and/or RailwayKnowledge of cloud architecture and infrastructureExperience with microservices and containerizationAPI design and scalability expertiseExperience designing reusable AI artifacts (prompts, skills, agents, internal tooling) that encode team expertise rather than living in one person's headExperience setting up AI guardrails at an organizational level: code review policies for AI-assisted contributions, IP and data-handling practices, secrets and access controls, model and tool selection, evaluation frameworksExperience enabling non-engineering teams (operations, concierge, growth, finance) to use AI tools safely and productivelyCompany OverviewSave time and money with 24/7 access to a travel concierge. Book flights, hotels and cars from one WhatsApp Group. It was founded in 2017, and is headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is https://fly-flat.com.