Lead Python & FastAPI Backend Architect

About the Role

Cadence is building Orion, a cutting‑edge platform that powers early‑stage drug discovery through high‑performance computing, advanced algorithms, and immersive 3‑D visualization. As a Lead Python & FastAPI Backend Architect, you will design, build, and scale the core compute and storage services that enable scientists worldwide to model billions of compounds in‑silico.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and implement high‑throughput, low‑latency backend services using Python, FastAPI, and GoLang.
• Design data models and optimize queries for PostgreSQL and SQLite clusters supporting petabyte‑scale datasets.
• Collaborate with UI/UX designers, computational chemists, and data scientists to translate scientific workflows into robust APIs.
• Lead the migration of legacy monoliths to containerized micro‑services on AWS (EKS/ECS) with Docker.
• Establish CI/CD pipelines, automated testing (unit, integration, end‑to‑end) and enforce code quality standards.
• Mentor junior engineers, conduct design reviews, and drive best‑practice adoption across the team.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (Life Sciences background a plus).
• 5+ years of experience building distributed, high‑performance backend systems.
• Expertise in Python, FastAPI, pytest, packaging, and Django fundamentals.
• Strong command of GoLang for performance‑critical services.
• Deep knowledge of PostgreSQL, SQLite, query optimization, and schema design.
• Hands‑on experience with AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, EKS/ECS) and Docker/Kubernetes.
• Proficiency with CI/CD tools (GitHub Actions, Jenkins), version control, and command‑line workflows.

Nice to Have

• Experience in High‑Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
• Familiarity with scientific domains such as computational chemistry or drug discovery.
• Knowledge of GraphQL or gRPC for inter‑service communication.
• Exposure to monitoring stacks (Prometheus, Grafana) and logging pipelines.

What We Offer / Benefits

• Competitive CTC with performance‑linked bonuses.
• Flexible hybrid work model – work from our Bengaluru hub or remotely.
• Health & wellness insurance for you and your family.
• Annual learning & conference budget, plus internal tech talks.
• Generous paid time off and parental leave.
• Opportunity to work on mission‑critical scientific software impacting global health.

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