Python API Developer

You'll take ownership of analysing the existing API, defining the most valuable functionality to reproduce, and implementing a clean, maintainable solution aligned with an existing PostgreSQL database and data-loading processes. Your responsibilities will include:

• Analyse the existing API and documentation and define the implementation scope.
• Review the existing database schema and map its metadata to the API model.
• Identify and document functional gaps between the existing interface and the new solution.
• Design and implement REST API endpoints using Python 3.12+ and FastAPI.
• Build metadata endpoints on top of an existing PostgreSQL database using SQLAlchemy.
• Develop submission endpoints with robust validation and meaningful error handling.
• Integrate submitted data with an existing Python-based loading process or store it in the required format.
• Design and implement appropriate approaches for authentication, authorization, transport security, and secure data handling.
• Develop comprehensive automated tests using pytest.
• Produce concise technical documentation and clearly communicate limitations, risks, open questions, and recommended next steps.
• Deploy and demonstrate the solution on Ubuntu Linux.

We're looking for a hands-on developer with strong experience in Python API development, REST services, and database-driven integrations. You should be comfortable understanding existing schemas, working independently, and delivering tested, production-quality code.

What they ask

• Strong Python 3.12+ development experience, particularly with FastAPI.
• Solid knowledge of SQLAlchemy and PostgreSQL, including working with and mapping existing database schemas.
• Strong understanding of REST API design and implementation.
• Practical knowledge of API security, including OAuth2/OIDC, JWT, API keys, TLS, authentication, authorization, and input validation.
• Experience writing automated tests with pytest.
• Ability to work autonomously with incomplete or imperfect documentation.
• Pragmatic approach focused on critical scope, delivery, quality, and maintainability.
• Strong communication skills, particularly when explaining technical findings, risks, limitations, and trade-offs.

Nice to have.

• Experience with Polars and SQLAlchemy.
• Familiarity with uv for Python package management.
• Previous experience with API compatibility, replacement, or migration projects.
• Experience handling sensitive data and working with GDPR-related requirements.
• Linux deployment experience.
• Exposure to both REST and SOAP environments.

This is a technical consulting assignment requiring production-quality code, automated testing, clear documentation, and a working deployment/demo environment. The ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions will be particularly important. Dutch, English, and French language skills are relevant for the assignment.