Jonathan S.

I build backend systems that connect complex APIs, automate operational workflows, and turn data-heavy business processes into reliable software. I'm a Senior Python Backend Engineer and Technical Lead with 8+ years of experience building production systems with Python, Django, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, and cloud infrastructure. I specialize in backend architecture, API integrations, workflow automation, authentication and authorization, and geospatial systems. My strongest projects usually sit at the intersection of software architecture, external systems, complex business rules, and data. I've designed systems involving third-party APIs, enterprise identity, AI-assisted workflows, multi-tenant architectures, large geospatial datasets, and cloud infrastructure. BACKEND & API INTEGRATIONS I design and build maintainable backend systems using Python, Django, FastAPI, Flask, PostgreSQL, REST APIs, webhooks, Docker, CI/CD, and AWS. A significant part of my work involves integrating external platforms where authentication, data mapping, retries, idempotency, and reliability matter. My experience includes: • REST APIs and webhooks • OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect • Auth0 / Okta Customer Identity Cloud • Authorization Code + PKCE • JWT and API security • MFA and step-up authentication • Auth0 Actions • RBAC and SAML SSO • Enterprise identity integrations • Third-party API troubleshooting • Retry and reconciliation strategies I'm comfortable working with vendor APIs where documentation and actual behavior don't always match, investigating issues independently, and communicating directly with external technical teams. AUTOMATION & AI WORKFLOWS I build automation systems that reduce manual operational work by combining backend engineering, integrations, business rules, and AI where it adds real value. I've developed systems that ingest emails and external events, classify requests, extract structured information, trigger business workflows, interact with external systems, generate assisted responses, and keep humans in the loop when approval is required. I prefer using AI as a reliable component within a structured workflow rather than making the entire system depend on an LLM. GEOSPATIAL ENGINEERING Geospatial software is one of my strongest technical specializations. I've built production systems using: • PostgreSQL / PostGIS • QGIS and ArcGIS services • GeoPandas, GDAL, Rasterio, Shapely • MapLibre, OpenLayers and Leaflet • Cloud Optimized GeoTIFFs (COGs) • LiDAR and DEM processing • Terrain and slope analysis • Satellite imagery • Large spatial databases I've designed pipelines that process large raster and vector datasets, integrate public and proprietary GIS sources, and expose them through performant APIs and interactive web applications. TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP I often work directly with founders, product owners, and technical stakeholders to translate business requirements into practical technical solutions. In previous projects, I've progressed from hands-on backend development into Technical Lead responsibilities, including: • Designing system architecture • Writing technical analyses • Translating business requirements into implementation plans • Discussing technical decisions with stakeholders • Guiding frontend and backend developers • Reviewing implementation approaches • Ensuring code quality and maintainability I'm comfortable taking ownership of complex backend or integration problems without requiring constant direction. I CAN HELP WITH: • Python backend development • Django and FastAPI • API and SaaS integrations • Auth0 / Okta CIC implementations • OAuth / OIDC architecture • AI and workflow automation • Multi-tenant SaaS platforms • PostgreSQL / PostGIS • GIS and geospatial platforms • Data processing pipelines • Backend architecture and modernization • Technical discovery and system design I prefer simple, reliable solutions over unnecessary complexity. Clients typically bring me into projects when they need someone who can quickly understand a complex domain, make sound technical decisions, communicate clearly with stakeholders, and take ownership of delivering a maintainable production solution. If you're building a backend platform, integrating external systems, automating operational workflows, implementing Auth0, or developing a data-intensive or geospatial product, I'd be happy to discuss your project.