Senior Python Engineer (Embedded project)

We are looking for an experienced Backend Developer / Test Developer with strong Python skills to join the team and contribute to the development of a common web-based project layer for roadside measurement systems. The goal of the stream is to develop a reusable HMI and API architecture that can serve multiple roadside products and measurement systems, with only minor adaptations and extensions required for different platforms. The HMI will provide a modern, touch-friendly, web-based user interface with harmonized workflows and a recognizable design across products. The solution will be designed to support different application types and measurement systems while maintaining scalable client performance, including under bandwidth-constrained conditions. The role has a strong focus on the backend/API layer and automated testing, ensuring reliable data flow from HMI interactions through the API Gateway and service layer to the Shire backend services. Key Responsibilities: - Develop and maintain backend modules, utilities, and automated testing solutions using Python. - Develop and maintain automated API and integration test suites covering application-layer endpoints. - Test and validate GraphQL and RESTful/gRPC APIs, including schemas, queries, mutations, subscriptions, and service interactions. - Verify end-to-end data flow from HMI user interactions through the API Gateway / Service Layer to Shire backend services. - Validate API contracts, data structures, and schema consistency across system components. - Develop integration, regression, and contract tests to ensure reliable communication between HMI and backend services. - Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines, working closely with DevOps and development teams. - Perform root-cause analysis of system failures at the protocol, logging, and container levels, rather than limiting investigations to UI-level issues. - Work with embedded systems and target hardware in Jenoptik office/lab environments, including via VPN or remote access. - Investigate communication and integration issues involving ROS middleware, embedded systems, and roadside hardware. - Work closely with Lead Frontend Developers to ensure reliable integration between the web-based HMI and backend services. - Collaborate with DevOps to integrate API sanity checks, regression testing, and automated validation into Jenkins / GitLab CI pipelines. - Support the development of a modular architecture that can be reused across multiple measurement systems with minimal adaptations. - Contribute to troubleshooting and continuous improvement of the overall HMI/API solution. Python & Backend Development - Strong professional experience with Python. - Experience developing backend modules, utilities, and automation frameworks. - Good understanding of backend application architecture and service-based systems. API & Communication Technologies - Strong experience with GraphQL, including: - Schemas - Queries - Mutations - Subscriptions - Experience with RESTful and/or gRPC APIs. - Understanding of API contracts, data structures, and service-to-service communication. Automated Testing - Strong experience with PyTest. - Experience developing integration and API tests. - Experience with contract testing and end-to-end testing. - Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines. - Practical experience with GitLab CI and/or Jenkins. Embedded & System Environment - Working knowledge of ROS / Robot Operating System and middleware protocols used for communication with embedded/roadside hardware. - Good understanding of Linux, including shell scripting and system troubleshooting. - Experience working with Docker containers, particularly in embedded or constrained environments. - Ability to troubleshoot issues across multiple system layers, including protocols, logs, containers, APIs, and backend services. System & Architecture Understanding - Ability to understand the system holistically from end to end, including: HMI Web Interface → API Gateway / Service Layer → Shire Backend Services - Ability to analyze dependencies and data flows across different application layers. - Understanding of modular and reusable software architectures. Nice to Have - Experience working with roadside systems, traffic management, or measurement systems. - Experience interacting directly with physical target hardware in laboratory or development environments. - Experience with ROS2 and related middleware. - Experience with performance and reliability testing under bandwidth-constrained conditions. - Experience working with web-based HMI systems or touch-friendly interfaces. - Familiarity with frontend technologies and modern web application architecture. - Experience with embedded Linux 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