Python Developer — Custom Background Removal Algorithm for Print-on-Demand

We need an experienced Python developer to build a custom background removal algorithm from scratch. This is for a print-on-demand platform where customers upload design images and need the background removed before printing. This is not a job for someone who will call Remove.bg, Rembg, or any other third-party API. We want a developer who understands image processing at a technical level and can build a genuinely capable solution using Python and open-source libraries only. --- What We Need A Python background removal algorithm that produces the following results: — Removes flat and near-flat backgrounds (white, off-white, solid colours) from product and design images — Handles enclosed transparent regions correctly — letters like “O”, “A”, logos with internal holes must remain transparent after removal — Produces clean edges — no halos, no jagged borders, no background colour bleed into the design — Handles images up to 100 megapixels without memory errors or crashes — Processes a standard image in under 3 seconds — Returns a PNG with a fully transparent background and preserved alpha channel The technical approach is entirely your choice — we are evaluating on output quality, not on which libraries or methods you use. No paid third-party APIs permitted. --- Delivery We are open to how you propose to deliver and integrate the solution. Please include your suggested delivery approach in your proposal. --- Acceptance Criteria Delivery will be accepted when the following are met: — Clean background removal on 10 test images we provide — Zero halos or colour bleed visible on any result — Enclosed regions (letter holes, logo gaps) correctly transparent — Processing time under 3 seconds per image — No crashes on any test image including corrupt and invalid inputs --- What Is NOT in Scope — Any third-party paid API — Remove.bg, Rembg, Clipdrop, etc. — Frontend or UI — Training machine learning models — Handling complex photographic backgrounds — flat and solid colour backgrounds only --- What to Include in Your Proposal 1. Describe your technical approach to removing a flat white background from a design image that contains letters with holes in them. Be specific — what problem does this create and how do you solve it? 2. Have you built image processing pipelines in Python before? Share examples. 3. Your suggested delivery and integration approach. 4. Estimated timeline. We will shortlist only candidates who answer question 1 with a specific, technically credible approach. Anyone who proposes using a third-party API will not be considered.