Senior Cloud Software Engineer (Python)

Job Description:

We Dream. We Do. We Deliver.

At Merkle, a dentsu company, we power the experience economy. Whether we’re building the next great app, running CRM at scale for global brands, delivering technology architectures that support millions of users, or providing world-class data, identity, and insights solutions, it’s all in the name of crafting experiences that set brands apart from the competition. Backed by dentsu's legacy of innovation and creativity originating in Japan, we’ve spent over 35 years helping brands build loyalty, drive growth, and connect meaningfully with their audiences.

We’ve been named a global “Leader” by top industry analyst firms in categories as wide-ranging as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management.

We are looking for someone able to:

• Develop and enhance backend applications using Python, with a focus on high-throughput, low-latency serverless architectures.
• Design, build, and maintain event-driven microservices on AWS Lambda, optimizing for cold-start times, execution speed, and memory efficiency.
• Lead the provisioning and maintenance of cloud infrastructure as code using Terraform, ensuring consistency and parity across development, staging, and production environments.
• Design, build, and maintain automated CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, incorporating automated testing, security scanning, and zero-downtime deployment strategies (blue/green, canary).
• Design, implement, and optimize DynamoDB data models for low-latency access, including Single-Table Design, GSIs/LSIs, and stream-based processing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand requirements, propose solutions, and drive optimization and improvement initiatives across both application and infrastructure layers.
• Conduct code reviews, provide recommendations, and lead refactoring and performance enhancement efforts, particularly around Python execution speed and Lambda efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across application code and deployment pipelines, ensuring timely resolutions.
• Proactively identify bottlenecks in code and pipelines, back proposed improvements with data, and drive their adoption across the team.
• Work with monitoring and observability tools to profile, debug, and enhance the performance of distributed systems and deployments.
• Explore, evaluate, and drive the adoption of new technologies and practices to improve system architecture and delivery processes.
• Ensure compliance with coding standards, best practices, and security guidelines, and drive their adoption across the team.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, share knowledge with the team, and drive continuous learning and improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of software engineering experience, with Python as your primary backend language, including strong DevOps ownership.
• Expert knowledge of Terraform, including reusable modules, remote state management, and multi-region AWS infrastructure automation.
• Advanced experience with Jenkins, including Declarative and Scripted pipelines, shared libraries, and automated build/test/deploy cycles for serverless architectures.
• Deep production experience with AWS serverless services: Lambda, API Gateway, SQS/SNS, and EventBridge in high-volume environments.
• Proven experience optimizing Python for performance, including asyncio, profiling, memory reduction, and Lambda cold-start mitigation.
• Expert knowledge of DynamoDB, including Single-Table Design, GSI/LSI optimization, TTL, DynamoDB Streams, and capacity management.
• Experience with observability tools such as CloudWatch, AWS X-Ray, Datadog, or OpenTelemetry to monitor and debug distributed systems.
• Strong understanding of design patterns, CI/CD practices, and infrastructure automation best practices.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a self-directed, solutions-first approach—able to identify bottlenecks and propose concrete options with trade-offs.
• Strong communication skills and ability to drive initiatives and influence practices across a team.
• Degree in computer science, information technology, or related field.
• Fluent in English.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience running Jenkins controllers on AWS (dynamic build agents on ECS/Fargate or Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of runtime acceleration techniques (Lambda Provisioned Concurrency, custom runtimes, PyPy, or Cython).
• Experience with serverless integration testing frameworks (PyTest-AWS, LocalStack) within Jenkins pipelines.
• Familiarity with streaming data engines such as Kinesis or Kafka.

Why choose Merkle?

Innovation at Our Core: As part of dentsu’s global network, Merkle pushes the boundaries of customer experience, integrating creativity, technology, and data to drive real-world impact. For over 35 years, we’ve been innovating to meet the changing needs of our clients.

Global Reach with Local Expertise: With over 16,000 employees across 30+ countries, and part of a 70,000 employees network at dentsu, Merkle blends global insights with a deep understanding of local markets to deliver personalized, effective solutions.

Collaborative Culture: At Merkle, your ideas and contributions truly matter. You’ll join a team that fosters innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Together, we work on impactful international projects, making meaningful connections every step of the way.

What’s in It for You?

Global Perspective: As part of a dentsu company, collaborate with over 70,000 talented colleagues across 145 countries to drive innovation on a global scale.

Flexibility & Balance: Enjoy hybrid work models, adaptable hours, and home office options. Hybrid working – we combine flexibility with in-person collaboration, with an expectation of 1 day per week/ 4 days per month in the office.

Inclusive & Supportive Culture: We celebrate diversity and foster a respectful workplace where every team member’s unique perspective is valued, and everyone is welcome.

Well-balanced reward package: We offer competitive salaries, volunteer days, wellness days, modern offices, and a multi-cultural environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

Innovation-Driven Work: Contribute to projects that are reshaping industries and driving transformation with next-generation technologies and strategies.

Purpose-Driven Culture: Be part of an organization that fosters sustainable growth for brands, people, and society—where every contribution makes a meaningful impact.

Growth Opportunities: Expand your skills through training, mentorship, and data-driven projects that reshape customer experience and business outcomes. Explore opportunities in the whole dentsu network to expand your reach.

• many more attractive benefits are waiting for you, for more details regarding additional benefits, please ask your recruiter

Ready to join the team? Shape your unique career and reach your full potential. Apply now and join us in transforming the future together.

Location:

Belgrade

Brand:

Merkle

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Permanent