Founding Python Automation Architect (Remote - Vietnam)

SentientFlow Solutions, an early-stage US-based startup, is seeking a highly skilled and ambitious Founding Python Automation Architect to join our remote team in Vietnam. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for architecting, designing, and building our core automation infrastructure from the ground up. This includes developing robust Python-based solutions, designing and implementing scalable RESTful APIs using FastAPI, and integrating with various AI models and third-party services. As our first dedicated engineering hire, you will establish technical best practices, write high-quality code, and lay the foundation for our future engineering team, with a clear path to grow into a leadership position as Head of Automation Engineering. This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on architect who is passionate about AI, automation, and building impactful solutions in a dynamic startup environment.Trách nhiệm công việc As the primary technical authority, architect, design, and develop robust, event-driven Python automation solutions. This includes designing, building, and maintaining clean, efficient, and scalable RESTful APIs using FastAPI. Your solutions will interface with AI models, CRMs, e-commerce APIs, and other third-party platforms. Actively research, learn, evaluate, and champion new software platforms, APIs, and technologies that can enhance our offerings and efficiency. Collaborate with the (currently founder-led) Account Management to create sequence diagrams and estimate effort for client proposals. Write exemplary, clean, well-typed Python 3.11+ code and comprehensive pytest tests, setting the standard for future hires. Establish and iterate on best practices for code quality, API design, reliability (idempotency, retries, alerting), and a forward-thinking tech stack. As we grow, you will be instrumental in mentoring and potentially managing the next engineering hires. Why This is More Than Just a Job – It’s a Career Defining Opportunity: Build from Zero & Lead the Future: This isn't about maintaining legacy code. As our Founding Python Automation Architect, you will lay the entire groundwork. The systems you design and build will be the bedrock of our engineering department. Your vision will directly influence our technical strategy and, with success, you are positioned to grow into the Head of Automation Engineering. A Unique Trajectory with a US Company: We are actively seeking an ambitious individual in Vietnam who sees the immense potential here. This is a rare chance to not only be a foundational technical leader but also to potentially lead a department within a US company, shaping its growth and success from Vietnam. This is a path for those who aspire to significant leadership. Pioneer AI-Driven Solutions & API Development: Dive deep into AI-first automations (OpenAI, Gemini, vector search, RAG) and take ownership of designing and building the APIs that power our solutions using FastAPI. Embrace Continuous Learning & Platform Exploration: Perfect for a curious mind eager to master new tech. You'll constantly explore and integrate diverse tools, backed by our learning allowance. Focus on Impact, Not Bureaucracy: As a startup, we're all about results. Your primary focus is on architecture and implementation, free from corporate "DevOps yak-shaving" or 24/7 pager duty. Directly Shape Our Growth & Your Own: Dedicated Learning Resources: ₫ 800,000 monthly for courses, certs, or anything that fuels your (and our) growth. The Inside Track to Leadership: We are building our future leadership team from within. This role is the first step on that path. Kỹ năng & Chuyên mônWho We Are Looking For (The Ideal Candidate): An Ambitious Builder: You're not just looking for a job; you're looking to build something significant and grow with it. The prospect of leading an engineering department excites you. A Passionate Learner: You have a genuine hunger to master new technologies and platforms, and you proactively seek out this knowledge. Proven Technical Excellence: 3-5 years in Python back-end development, with specific experience in designing, building, and deploying RESTful APIs (FastAPI ideal, or strong Django/Flask with rapid FastAPI adoption and understanding of API principles). Expertise with Redis + Celery/RQ (or similar) for resilient, scalable systems. Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into solid architectural designs and clear documentation with high autonomy. A non-negotiable commitment to writing quality, tested code and well-documented APIs. Nice-to-Haves: Production experience with LLMs or vector databases. Broad experience with diverse third-party APIs (both consuming and integrating). Proficiency with AI-assisted coding tools. Prior experience in a startup environment or in a role with significant autonomy. Experience mentoring others, even informally. Phúc lợi dành cho bạn Salary: ₫ 30,000,000 – ₫ 35,000,000 gross per month (Contractor basis). Bonuses: 13th-month "Tết" bonus. Annual Loyalty Bonus: ₫ 10,000,000. This bonus is earned and paid each Tết after the completion of each 12 full months of continuous service. It is paid in addition to your salary and the standard 13th-month pay, rewarding long-term commitment.  ₫ 800,000 monthly learning allowance Payment: Reliable and on-time salary payments via Wise. Financial Stability: We have a healthy financial runway (18+ months at current burn rate). Work Style & Location: Location: 100% remote, work from anywhere in Vietnam. Flexibility: Choose your own working hours. Important Note: This is a contractor role. The gross pay, allowances, and bonuses are provided as listed. You will be responsible for managing your own personal income tax and any optional state insurance contributions. Our Hiring Process (Transparent & Focused): Application: CV + GitHub/GitLab link (or project walk-through). Tell us why this specific opportunity to build and lead excites you. Async Design Task: Sketch an automation solution. We want to see your architectural thinking, including potential API design considerations. Interview (30-45 minutes via Google Meet): If shortlisted, a direct conversation with the founder to discuss your vision, approach, cultural alignment for a foundational role, and expectations.