Lead Software Engineer – Python

LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER – PYTHON | NETWORK AUTOMATIONLocation: Infopark, KochiExperience: 5+ YearsSalary: Up to ₹22 LPARole: Technical Leadership | Python | Network AutomationABOUT THE ROLEWe are looking for a Lead Software Engineer – Python to take ownership of the design, development, and technical direction of our network automation and backend engineering initiatives.This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced engineer who can bridge the gap between software engineering and network infrastructure, lead technical decisions, establish engineering standards, and mentor a team of engineers.You will play a key role in transforming traditional network operations into scalable, automated, API-driven platforms and workflows.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESTechnical Leadership & ArchitectureOwn the technical direction of Python-based backend and network automation solutions.Design scalable architectures for APIs, microservices, and automation platforms.Drive engineering best practices, coding standards, architecture reviews, and code quality.Lead technical discussions and translate business/infrastructure requirements into robust solutions.Mentor engineers and build technical capability across the team.Python, API & Backend EngineeringLead development of high-performance REST APIs and backend services using Python and FastAPI.Design asynchronous workflows, data models, and integrations with network infrastructure.Establish automated testing, code review, documentation, and maintainability standards.Network Automation & InfrastructureLead the design of scalable network automation solutions using Netmiko, Nornir, and Ansible.Drive automation of network provisioning, configuration management, compliance, and operational workflows.Modernize manual network operations through software-driven automation.Work closely with network/infrastructure teams to identify and automate operational processes.DevOps & Engineering ExcellenceDrive CI/CD practices and automated deployment workflows.Champion containerization using Docker and modern development practices.Establish automated testing frameworks for APIs and network automation workflows.Promote Git-based collaborative development and engineering discipline.Network Engineering & TroubleshootingProvide technical leadership in troubleshooting complex enterprise and data-center networking issues.Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing & switching, BGP, OSPF, firewalls, and related network technologies.Bridge software engineering practices with real-world network operations.MUST-HAVE EXPERTISE5+ years of hands-on Python development experienceStrong expertise in FastAPI, REST APIs and asynchronous programmingHands-on experience with Netmiko, Nornir and AnsibleStrong understanding of networking, routing, switching, BGP, OSPF and firewallsExperience designing and implementing network automation platforms/workflowsStrong understanding of CI/CD, Git, automated testing and software engineering practicesDemonstrated experience in technical leadership, mentoring and architecture/design decisionsGOOD TO HAVEDocker and multi-service environmentsKafka / RabbitMQ or event-driven architectureServiceNow / ITSM platforms and change-management workflowsPoetry and pre-commitEnterprise network management platformsWHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORWe are looking for someone who goes beyond writing code — a technical leader who can take ownership, make architecture decisions, solve complex problems, mentor engineers, and drive automation initiatives from concept to production.Strong communication, analytical thinking, ownership, and the ability to work across software, network and infrastructure teams are essential.QUALIFICATIONBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.