Python Software Engineer

You will be a technical leader in the design, development, and deployment of scalable and high-performance AI-powered applications. Your mission will be to architect robust systems, write exceptional code, and translate complex AI models and business requirements into production-ready software solutions that deliver significant business value.

You will work in close collaboration with AI Experts, Data Scientists, ML Engineers, and enterprise technology partners to build the software that brings AI products to life across Santander. This is a critical role in the AI transformation agenda, where you will empower the team by building responsible and scalable AI applications.

We're shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

• Lead the architectural design and development of high-performance backend services and APIs using Python (e.g., FastAPI, Django).
• Architect and build robust, scalable software systems that integrate, serve, and manage machine learning models and GenAI applications.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested Python code, and champion software engineering best practices, including comprehensive code reviews and automated testing.
• Collaborate closely with AI Experts and Data Scientists to understand model requirements and effectively integrate them into business-critical systems.
• Optimize application performance, ensuring scalability, reliability, and low latency for AI services in production environments.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the team's technical strategy and roadmap, making key architectural decisions and owning major components of the system.
• Deploy and manage applications using containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud platforms (AWS or GCP).
• Ensure the security, compliance, and governance standards are met within the applications you build.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organization. We're enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering with a strong focus on Python and modern frameworks (e.g., FastAPI, Django, Flask). (Required)
• Proven experience building, deploying, and maintaining large-scale, production-grade applications. (Required)

Education

• BSc or MSc in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field. (Required)

Languages

• Spanish proficiency. (Required)
• High level of English . (Preferred)

Hard Skills

• Expert proficiency in Python and its data science/backend ecosystem (e.g., LangGraph, SQLAlchemy). (Required)
• Deep understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and data structures. (Required)
• Experience with both relational (e.g., PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases. (Required)
• Strong understanding of CI/CD principles and experience with tools such as GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Jenkins. (Required)
• Experience with application monitoring and logging tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack). (Preferred)

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving skills, a deep sense of ownership, and a proactive attitude.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead technical discussions and collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Your contribution matters, and it's recognized. You can expect a fair, competitive reward package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. But we know rewards go beyond numbers.

• We're enable our teams to go beyond through global opportunities and broad career paths.
• Flexibility that works. Enjoy a hybrid working models-some days remote, some days onsite with your team-along with flexible hours.
• Learning for life. Access hundreds of courses on our platforms, including exclusive access to our global learning space: Santander Open Academy (www.santanderopenacademy.com)
• Competitive rewards. Receive a highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses, motivating you to keep growing with us.
• Financial advantages. Benefit from preferential banking terms, special interest rates on loans, life insurance, and more.
• Your health is our priority. Through BeHealthy, our global wellness programme, we promote Holistic wellbeing.
• We know family is everything. That's why we offer childcare support and family-friendly programmes tailored to each life stage.
• Always by your side. Get access to Santander Contigo, our program for employees and their families offering legal, emotional, and administrative advisory services.
• Extra benefits. Gym/WellHub membership, medical centers in some of our facilities, meal subsidy, parking, shuttle service from various points in Madrid, as well as exclusive discounts and offers for Santander employees. And that's only the beginning-we'll tell you more when you join!

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference. Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management. Santander Digital Services is the team of technology and operations at Santander. We are convinced of the importance of technology that is aligned with the requirements of the business and that out work not only brings value to users, people and communities but also fosters individual creativity. Our team of over 10,000 people in 8 countries (Spain, Portugal, Poland, UK, USA, Mexico, Chile and Brazil) develops and/or implements financial solutions across a broad spectrum of technologies on all kinds of on-premise and cloud-based platforms.