Python Backend Developer - Microservices

About the role

SmartCity Tech Labs Ltd is a growing technology engineering house serving fintech and SaaS clients across Europe from our SmartCity offices. We build resilient backend platforms using modern Python frameworks and cloud-native tooling. The team combines product-focused engineers, DevOps and QA to deliver frequent, well-tested releases.

You will join a cross-functional squad responsible for API-driven microservices that power internal services and customer-facing products. The role involves hands-on development, code reviews, writing automated tests, and collaborating closely with product managers and DevOps to ship reliable features. Engineers at the company are expected to take ownership, contribute to architecture discussions and mentor more junior colleagues.

This position is ideal for a pragmatic Python developer who enjoys designing clean APIs, automating CI/CD pipelines, and working with containerised deployments. We offer a hybrid working model, regular technical training, and exposure to European clients — a good opportunity for professional growth within a small, ambitious Maltese tech employer.

About SmartCity Tech Labs Ltd

SmartCity Tech Labs Ltd is a Maltese-founded software engineering firm specialising in backend systems, cloud platforms and integrations for fintech and B2B SaaS customers. We operate from SmartCity Malta and work with distributed teams across the EU.

What you can expect

• Hybrid working with modern SmartCity office facilities
• Training and certification budget
• Private health scheme contribution
• Competitive monthly salary and performance bonuses
• Clear progression path into senior engineering or tech lead roles

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain Python-based microservices and RESTful APIs
• Write clear, well-tested code using frameworks such as FastAPI, Django or Flask
• Build and maintain Docker images and contribute to Kubernetes manifests and deployments
• Develop automated tests (unit, integration) and participate in test-driven development practices
• Collaborate with product managers and frontend engineers to define API contracts
• Participate in code reviews and mentor junior engineers on best practices
• Troubleshoot production issues and contribute to incident reviews and post-mortems
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code in collaboration with DevOps
• Optimize service performance and ensure observability using logging and monitoring tools

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of professional Python backend development experience
• Proven experience building microservices-based architectures
• Hands-on experience with containerisation (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes)
• Familiarity with at least one Python web framework (FastAPI, Django, Flask)
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, Redis, MongoDB or similar)
• Practical knowledge of CI/CD tools (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins, etc.)
• Experience writing automated tests (pytest or equivalent) and using Git in team workflows
• Good English communication skills for day-to-day collaboration
• Eligibility to work in Malta (EU nationals or candidates with the appropriate permit)

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a brief cover note outlining your relevant Python and microservices experience and availability.