Dev Lead in React/Django

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on Lead Engineer / Fractional CTO to take technical ownership of an existing Django + React application, bring structure to the development process, and guide a small team of developers.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both leading and coding, can work in existing codebases, and knows how to ship features predictably.

You will not be micromanaged — you will be the person setting the technical direction.

What You’ll Do

• Own and guide the overall technical direction of the application
• Lead and mentor one or two existing developers
• Review code, enforce standards, and ensure maintainable architecture
• Break down high-level requirements into clear, actionable dev tasks
• Identify and prioritize necessary improvements without over-refactoring
• Implement features directly when needed (hands-on coding)
• Communicate progress, risks, and timelines clearly
• Improve the development workflow, branching, CI/CD, and release process
• Ensure stability, reliability, and performance of the application

Required Skills

• 7+ years full-stack development
• Deep experience with Django / Python
• Strong proficiency with React / JavaScript / TypeScript
• Solid understanding of Postgres, REST APIs, and modern frontend patterns
• Experience working in and improving existing codebases
• Ability to lead and mentor other developers
• Strong architectural judgment: what to refactor vs what to leave
• Independent, proactive communicator who can self-direct and manage delivery

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with Three.js, 3D rendering, or data visualization
• Experience with AWS, DigitalOcean, Docker, CI/CD pipelines
• Familiarity with machine learning integrations (not required)

Who You Are

• You’re a senior engineer who can take charge, not wait for direction
• You enjoy shaping the technical approach AND writing code
• You work quickly but with good judgment
• You can manage a small team and keep projects moving
• You communicate clearly and own outcomes