Staff/Senior Software Engineer, Python/PHP

Ontrac Solutions

Staff/Senior Software Engineer focusing on application and platform modernization. Leading efforts to deconstruct monolithic architectures into container-based services primarily using Python and PHP.

Posted 7/30/2026full-timeChicago • California, Illinois, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive backend software development expertise, particularly in Python (3.11+) and PHP (8.4.x), with a strong focus on application modernization and cloud migration on Google Cloud. Proven ability to lead teams, mentor engineers, and implement best practices in software development and testing.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Backend Software DevelopmentPython (3.11+)PHP (8.4.x)Google Cloud PlatformOpenSSL Implementation

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Container-Based ServicesUnit TestingIntegration TestingAcceptance TestingMetrics and Monitoring Tools

Soft Skills

MentoringCollaborationProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

ChronospherePrometheusGrafanaSplunk Cloud

Certifications & Qualifications

Degree in Computer Science

Industry Keywords

Application ModernizationMonolithic ArchitectureNetwork-Automation ServicesCloud Migrations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudGoogle Cloud PlatformGrafanaPHPPrometheusPythonSplunk

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support a critical customer engagement focused on application and platform modernization.
Lead modernization efforts and breaking down monolithic architectures into container-based services on GCP.
Work closely with engineering managers and customer stakeholders to ensure project success from initial definition through final delivery.
Drive application and platform modernization across internal network-automation services.
Drive language and library upgrades (Python 3.11+, PHP 8.4.x, OpenSSL), own design and reviews, and mentor junior developers.
Build and extend metrics paths as the platform moves from a legacy metrics system to Chronosphere, Prometheus, and Grafana.
Collaborate with product engineers on OS and package shifts and cloud migrations, owning feature delivery in support of the broader digital transformation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and other engineering teams, to define requirements and drive technical solutions.
Drive the adoption of best practices for software development, including testing, code reviews, and continuous integration and delivery.
Troubleshoot and debug complex issues across the distributed system, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of backend software development
Recent, hands-on Python (3.11+) AND PHP (8.x)
A real example of deconstructing a monolith into container-based services, ideally on Google Cloud.
OpenSSL / secure communication implementation experience.
Testing discipline: unit, integration, and acceptance tests on production systems.
A degree in computer science or a related field.
10+ years of relevant work experience in software development, focused on backend development, specifically with Python experience.
8+ years of strong expertise developing applications using Python (3.11+) and PHP (8.4.x).
Extensive Python experience, with the ability to understand an existing complex codebase and lead development efforts.
Extensive experience deconstructing monolithic architectures into container-based services to enhance scalability and maintainability.
Experience working with cloud platforms, specifically Google Cloud.
Technical proficiency with OpenSSL and implementing secure communication protocols across distributed platforms.
Exposure to metrics and monitoring tools such as Chronosphere, Prometheus, and Grafana.
Familiarity with logging solutions, specifically transitioning from Splunk to Splunk Cloud.
Exposure to OS/package management, including RHEL7 to EL8/9 shifts and migrations from proprietary package management to RPM.
Strong proficiency writing unit, integration, and acceptance tests.
Previous experience with internal network-automation services and platforms.
Experience mentoring mid-level engineers to reduce single points of failure (SPOFs).
Experience partnering with Principal Engineers on large-scale cloud migrations.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Applicants who complete verification are prioritized over non-verified candidates with comparable experience.
If you're hired, Ontrac reimburses the full cost of your verification.