Senior Python Backend Developer
Cognizant· enterprise· IT Services· Oct 10, 2026 · 18d ago
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
In office
Full-time
Senior
$121K–$180K est.
8+ years exp
Job description
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
About Us:
Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant, a member of the NASDAQ-100, is ranked 195 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com.
About Cognizant’s IoT Practice:
Intelligent, IoT-enabled products will soon result in the proliferation of data and disrupt virtually all industries. To be successful, both large and small companies must leverage IoT capabilities by designing modern products that fundamentally connect people with processes. Within Cognizant IOT, we engineer industry-aligned, IoT-enabled products that merge industry needs with human drivers. Our intelligent products will revolutionize experiences and result in exciting, transformative outcomes. Without human-centered thinking, connected products are just standalone things—but with it, our modern connected products facilitate a unified way of life enjoyed by all.
Job Title: Senior Python Backend Developer
Experience: 8+ Years
Location: Washington, DC
Work Model: 100% Onsite – 5 days/week
Remote/Hybrid: Not available
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Senior Python Backend Developer with 8+ years of software development experience and strong expertise in Python, FastAPI, PostgreSQL/SQL, and backend development.
This is a 100% onsite position in Washington, DC. Candidates must be willing and able to work onsite from Day 1. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available for this role.
Key Technical Requirements
• 8+ years of overall software development experience
• Strong hands-on Python development
• Strong FastAPI and REST API development experience
• Advanced SQL/PostgreSQL skills
• Hands-on experience with stored procedures and functions
• Experience with Pydantic and importlib
• Strong understanding and implementation of caching
• Experience building reusable Python utilities, modules, or frameworks
• Experience with Excel processing/integration using Python
• Strong debugging and performance optimization skills
• Experience with Git and modern software development practices
• Experience with unit testing, preferably pytest
• Exposure to Docker/CI/CD is preferred
Important Candidate Requirement
This role requires 100% onsite presence in Washington, DC. Please submit candidates who are already local to the DC/DMV area or who are genuinely willing to relocate and work onsite. Remote candidates should not be considered.
Compensation: - $80,000 to $118,000 + COLA ($6000) + Bonus + Benefits. Bonus based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans. Application will be accepted by 11/08/2026
Benefits : Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Applicants for US based positions must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The company is unable to provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for US based positions.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
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Keywords to mirror
pythonsqlrestapidockerci/cdai
- Platform
- cognizant
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave