Python Developer Contract Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce's client in Pittsburgh, PA is looking for a Software Engineer to join its Strategic Solutions Team, responsible for developing and supporting technology platforms for high-impact client engagements. This position combines software engineering, cloud technologies, AI, automation, and data solutions to deliver scalable applications that solve complex business problems.
Responsibilities:
* Develop and maintain backend applications and APIs using Python frameworks such as FastAPI, Django, and Flask
* Build modern web applications, dashboards, and client-facing tools with React and TypeScript
* Create and enhance AI-powered capabilities, including LLM integrations, prompt engineering, agent workflows, embeddings, RAG solutions, model evaluation, and performance optimization
* Design and support ETL processes, data integrations, webhooks, event-driven architectures, message queues, and connections to external platforms such as CRM, ERP, telephony, and messaging systems
* Work with relational and vector databases, including PostgreSQL, Redis, pgvector, and similar technologies, focusing on schema design, indexing, and query optimization
* Deploy and manage cloud-native solutions within AWS using Docker, ECS/EKS, Lambda, S3, RDS, and infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform or CDK
* Implement CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, staged deployments, and rollback strategies to ensure reliable releases
* Monitor application performance through logging, metrics, tracing, alerting, and production troubleshooting
* Own and improve reusable platform components utilized across multiple client solutions
* Convert prototypes and proof-of-concepts into secure, scalable, production-ready applications
REQUIREMENTS:
* 3+ years of experience designing, developing, and supporting production software, preferably within agile, fast-paced teams
* Strong proficiency in Python, including asynchronous programming, type hinting, testing frameworks (PyTest), package management, and application performance tuning
* Experience building frontend applications with React and modern JavaScript/TypeScript, including API integration and state management
* Solid understanding of SQL, database design, data modeling, caching strategies, and background processing
* Hands-on experience deploying, monitoring, securing, and maintaining applications in AWS and containerized environments
* Exposure to AI/ML solutions, including LLM integrations, automation tools, vector databases, APIs, and machine learning frameworks
* Proficient with Git-based workflows, peer code reviews, and CI/CD best practices
* Self-starter mentality with the ability to take ownership of projects from requirements through deployment with minimal oversight
* Strong written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across distributed teams and time zones
* Comfortable working in a rapidly evolving environment where priorities can shift and autonomy is expected
Preferred Experience:
* Multi-tenant applications and scalable product architecture
* Infrastructure-as-Code and cloud-native technologies such as Terraform, Kubernetes, or serverless platforms
* Data engineering experience, including data warehouses, dbt, streaming pipelines, or large-scale data processing
* LLM observability, model evaluation, and AI agent frameworks
* Customer experience, contact center, sales, or related business technology platforms
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.
This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking ?Apply Today? you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.