Backend Technical Lead - Wagtail CMS

Black Canyon Consulting (BCC) is currently searching for a Backend Technical Lead with strong experience in Wagtail CMS, Django/Python, GraphQL APIs, Headless CMS architecture, and multisite implementation. This role will lead the technical design, development, adoption, and delivery of scalable Wagtail CMS solution for NCBI’s public-facing web platforms.

BCC is an exciting growth oriented company, dedicated to providing mission critical scientific and technical services to the Federal Government. We have a distinguished history of supporting government agencies. If you enjoy being a part of a high performing, professional service and technology focused organization, please apply today! This opportunity is full-time with BCC and it is on-site in Bethesda/Rockville, Maryland.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead architecture and implementation of Wagtail CMS solutions using Django and Python.
• Drive the adoption of Wagtail CMS at NCBI, including technical strategy, implementation guidance, standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Design and support headless CMS capabilities for modern frontend applications.
• Oversee GraphQL API development for structured content delivery.
• Lead multisite Wagtail setup for multiple websites, content areas, and publishing workflows.
• Define content models, StreamField structures, snippets, permissions, workflows, and admin customizations.
• Establish coding standards, architecture patterns, documentation, and review processes.
• Mentor developers and provide technical guidance across CMS and backend work.
• Collaborate with frontend, UX, content, product, DevOps, and stakeholder teams.
• Ensure solutions are secure, scalable, accessible, maintainable, and performant.
• Support troubleshooting, testing, deployment, release planning, and production support.

Requirements:

• Strong experience with Wagtail CMS, Django, and Python.
• Proven technical leadership experience on CMS or web platform projects.
• Hands-on experience with GraphQL APIs and headless CMS implementation.
• Experience with multisite Wagtail architecture.
• Experience supporting CMS adoption, governance, standards, and best practices across teams or organizations.
• Deep understanding of Wagtail content modeling, StreamField, snippets, workflows, permissions, preview, and admin customization.
• Experience with PostgreSQL, API design, caching, security, testing, Git, CI/CD, and deployment workflows.
• Strong communication, mentoring, documentation, and stakeholder collaboration skills

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science
• 5+ years of Full stack Web applications development, using Wagtail CMS and Django.
• Experience implementing, extending, migrating or supporting adoption of a Content Management System across teams or products.
• Experience developing and integrating with Headless CMS platforms and consuming GraphQL or REST APIs.
• Experience with public-facing government, scientific, biomedical, or research websites.
• Familiarity with Section 508, WCAG and U.S. Web Design System
• Experience with search integrations, CMS migrations, Docker, cloud hosting, CDN configuration, SEO, metadata, and analytics.
• Experience working in Agile or cross-functional product teams.

Benefits and Salary

We attract the best people in the business with our competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k plan with employer contribution, paid holidays, vacation, and tuition reimbursement.

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and location. If you enjoy being a part of a high-performing, professional service and technology-focused organization, please apply today!