Python Developer/Specialist

The Python Developer/Specialist sits within the IT Development team and is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining Python-based tooling, scripts, and integrations that underpin the majority of SOCAR Trading’s AI and data-driven deliverables. The role works closely with the business and the Data Engineer to turn python developments and data pipelines into robust, production-grade code, ensuring solutions move safely from prototype to reliable operational tooling. The role embraces AI-assisted development as a daily way of working, using tools such as Claude and Claude Code while remaining accountable for the quality and security of everything delivered.

MAIN TASKS

These tasks ensure AI and data initiatives across SOCAR Trading are underpinned by reliable, maintainable, production-grade tooling.

Python Development & Tooling:

• Design, develop, test, and maintain Python-based applications, scripts, and integrations supporting AI, automation, and data workflows.
• Build and maintain APIs and connectors linking AI solutions, data pipelines, and business systems (Dynamics 365 F&O, ION TriplePoint, Azure services).
• Harden prototype solutions developed by non-specialists into production-ready, efficient and maintainable code.
• Apply software engineering best practices: version control (Git), automated testing, CI/CD, and code review via Azure DevOps.
• Analyze business requirements with stakeholders and translate them into secure, scalable solutions.

AI-Assisted Development:

• Use AI tools such as Claude and Claude Code daily to accelerate development, debugging, refactoring, testing, and documentation.
• Review, test, and validate code for quality, security, and data governance before production.
• Craft effective prompts and share AI best practices with the IT Development team.

Support & Maintenance:

• Provide ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting support for Python-based tools already in production.
• Optimize existing scripts and tooling for performance, reliability, and security.
• Document code, architecture, and deployment processes for maintainability.

Collaboration:

• Work with the Data Engineer to ensure Python tooling correctly consumes and processes data from governed pipelines.
• Support the Applied AI Specialist in integrating AI models and APIs (e.g., Azure AI Foundry) into business tooling.
• Participate in sprint planning, backlog grooming, and delivery tracking within Azure DevOps.

Qualifications & Competencies required

Education & Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.
• Certifications (Desirable): Python-related certifications; Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate.

Previous Experience:

• Professional Experience: 3 to 5 years of professional Python development experience.
• Delivery Track Record: Hands-on experience delivering and supporting Python applications in production as well as scripts or APIs.

Industry Experience:

• Experience in trading, energy, or financial services and exposure to ERP/ETRM integrations are advantages, not mandatory.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong Python development skills (core language and common libraries for data handling and automation, e.g. pandas, requests).
• API development/integration (REST) and SQL databases (SQL Server, T-SQL or equivalent).
• Git, automated and unit testing, debugging, and CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps).
• Working knowledge of Azure services (Functions, App Services) is an advantage.

AI Tooling:

• Daily, hands-on use of AI coding assistants (Claude, Claude Code or equivalent).
• Sound judgment on the security, privacy, and quality of AI-generated output.

Preferred Competencies:

• React or any other modern JavaScript framework; Agile experience.

IT skills:

• Python (data handling and automation libraries), Fast API/Flask/Django, REST APIs, SQL Server/T-SQL.
• Backend frameworks: Fast API, Flask, or Django; REST APIs.
• AI-assisted development: daily use of Claude and Claude Code (or equivalent); prompt engineering; LLM API integration.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Reliable, quality-focused, and detail-oriented in coding practices.
• Adaptable and quick to learn new tools and frameworks, including AI tools.
• Adapts quickly to evolving business priorities and supports users on daily requests.
• Strong communication; able to translate business needs into technical solutions.