Software Engineer – Backend (Django/Python) - intern

Bright is a consumer fintech company focused on helping Americans get out of debt through the power of data science and machine learning. It provides a mobile platform that combines credit score building, automated debt paydown plans, financial planning, budget tools, and refinance options—covering credit cards, student loans, and car loans.

With 300,000 users and over 100,000 ratings and reviews, Bright has experienced 6x growth in the past year. Backed by leading venture capital firms including Sequoia, Falcon Edge, and Hummingbird, along with top-tier angel investors, Bright has raised over $40 million in equity funding and recently secured $50 million in debt funding from Encina Lender Finance to support its credit business.

Bright is ranked among the top 8 fintech companies in the U.S. and is on a mission to become one of the top 100 U.S. financial institutions, leveraging predictive modeling and data-driven innovation. Headquartered in India, Bright is one of the first at-scale consumer tech companies built in India for global markets.

Founding Team

Bright was founded in 2019 by a team with experience from McKinsey’s Banking Practice and InMobi's data science division. Founders include Petko Plachkov, Avi Patchava, Varun Modi, Avinash Ramakath, and Jayashree Merwade.

• Develop, test, and deploy scalable backend components for Bright’s Smart Banking Platform using Django/Python
• Design and implement smart algorithms and systems for financial communication and lending automation
• Create effective, simple design solutions for complex engineering problems
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including data science, product, and marketing
• Conduct ad-hoc and periodic analyses to support strategic decisions around user acquisition and marketing investment
• Drive adoption of in-house data tools and promote data accessibility across teams

Required Skills

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in SQL
• Excellent problem-solving abilities rooted in first principles thinking
• Familiarity with developing REST APIs using Django or Node.js
• Understanding of data structures and algorithms
• Experience with relational or NoSQL databases at scale
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience in Python-based backend development
• Demonstrated excellence in competitive programming or algorithmic problem-solving
• Experience in knowledge-sharing activities (e.g., mentoring, tech talks, design reviews)
• Background in performance analysis or generating data-driven insights
• Exposure to marketing analytics and performance measurement is a plus

What You’ll Gain

• Exposure to cross-functional development and the full lifecycle of a customer-centric fintech product
• Opportunity to work in a fast-growing startup environment with a global mission
• Hands-on experience that builds foundational skills for future entrepreneurship and product leadership roles