Contract Fullstack Developer - Python/Javascript

The Motley Fool is looking for a Senior Contract Fullstack Engineer with expert-level chops in Python, Javascript, Django, React, Next.js and more to join our team on an independent contract basis for 3-6 months. While this is a contract position, there is a potential for this role to convert to a full-time, permanent role down the road and we are looking for developers who are interested in longer-term engagements. 

***This is a 40-hour per week role and is fully remote, but applicants must reside in the US for consideration. Strong preference will be given to candidates who live in our open states: California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, and Wisconsin.***

Who are we?

We are The Motley Fool, a purpose-driven financial information and services firm with more than 30 years of experience focused on making the world smarter, happier, and richer. But what does that even mean?! It means we’re helping Fools (always with a capital “F”) demystify the world of finance, beat the stock market, and achieve personal wealth and happiness through our products and services.

The Motley Fool is firmly committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are a motley group of overachievers that have built a culture of trust founded on Foolishness, fun, and a commitment to making the world smarter, happier and richer. However you identify or whatever winding road has led you to us, please don't hesitate to apply if the description above leaves you thinking, "Hey! I could do that!"

What does this team do? 

Market Tech Developers are helping to evolve and upgrade our internal infrastructure that helps serve our 600k paying subscribers, and the millions of people that visit our public facing site each year. This person will collaborate with team members, product owners and professionals across the Motley Fool. 

What will this person do in this role?

The Motley Fool US membership serves over 600k paying subscribers to help make them smarter, happier and richer. Over the past 15 months we have drastically upgraded our technological capabilities to enhance our offerings. This position is for the person that enjoys working with the latest tech and building amazing products.

We believe in providing the tools and support needed for our technology practitioners to be as successful and impactful as possible. From a tooling standpoint, we use Claude, Github CoPilot, Chat GPT, and Cursor.sh. If there is a tool we don’t already have available, we have teams that can investigate additional tools. The Senior Market Tech Developer will be supported by numerous teams such as, Project Managers, Cloud Ops, Cyber Security, HR and more. The Motley Fool is a place where you can do your best work surrounded by people who enthusiastically support your success.

Okay, but what will you actually do in this role? 

• Design, develop, and maintain backend systems using Python and Django.
• Implement and manage content management systems, particularly Wagtail CMS.
• Build and optimize dynamic, user-friendly frontends using React, Next.js, and vanilla JavaScript.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions.
• Develop and integrate RESTful APIs to support frontend and backend functionalities.
• Optimize web applications for performance, including caching and asset management.
• Ensure compliance with web accessibility standards to deliver inclusive user experiences.
• Conduct and manage A/B testing on both client-side and server-side systems.
• Monitor and analyze user behavior metrics to drive continuous improvements.
• Work with PostgreSQL or similar relational databases for efficient data storage and retrieval.
• Troubleshoot and navigate interconnected systems across multiple codebases.
• Clearly communicate technical concepts and project goals to team members and stakeholders.

Required Skills and Experience (In order of importance)

• Strong proficiency in Python and Django framework
• Experience with React, Next.js, and vanilla JavaScript for frontend development
• Must be able to work in a collaborative team-based environment
• Must be able to clearly communicate project values to team members and business stakeholders
• Proven track record of extending and managing content management systems
• Solid understanding of RESTful APIs
• Experience with Wagtail CMS
• Experience with PostgreSQL or other relational databases
• Good grasp of web performance optimization (caching, asset bundling, etc.)
• Understanding of accessibility standards
• Experience with both client-side and server-side A/B testing and frameworks
• Understanding of user behavior tracking and metrics
• Ability to navigate and understand interrelated systems across multiple codebases

Nice to Have Skills

• Familiarity with Segment for customer data integration
• Knowledge of Google Tag Manager and Google Analytics implementation
• Experience with Kevel or similar systems
• Experience with low latency ad tech systems
• Familiarity with AWS cloud platforms
• Experience with Docker and containerization, as well as CI/CD pipelines
• Familiarity with ad targeting strategies
• Familiarity with Sanity CMS
• Experience with system monitoring and error reporting tools such as DataDog and Sentry