Back End Developer

Maxwell Bond; Liverpool; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

A technology recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Lead Developer for a fully remote contract role in the UK. The ideal candidate will support API development for a high-traffic consumer platform, utilizing Node.js and AI coding tools to deliver scalable and secure systems. Strong collaboration with front-end engineers is vital, alongside proven production experience with consumer-facing platforms. This position emphasizes independent decision-making and adherence to architectural standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive production experience with Node.js and API development.
• Ability to deliver production-ready APIs quickly and independently.
• Proven experience with consumer-facing platforms.

Responsibilities

• Support API development and backend delivery for a high-traffic consumer platform.
• Build scalable, secure, and performant systems.
• Collaborate effectively with front-end engineers for seamless integrations.

Skills

API development

Node.js

Database design

RESTful API design

Collaboration with front-end developers

AI coding tools

Tools

Cursor

Claude Code

Codex

GitHub Copilot

SQL Database

NoSQL Database

Job description

Lead Developer (Contract, AI-Driven Environment, Node.JS)

We're looking for an experienced backend senior developer to support API development and backend delivery for a high-traffic consumer platform. You'll work alongside front-end engineers to build scalable, secure, and performant systems using modern tools and AI‑assisted development.

Contract: 6‑month, fully remote contract. Outside IR35.

You'll be a good fit if you:

• Deliver production‑ready APIs fast and independently
• Have proven experience with consumer‑facing platforms
• Use AI coding tools (Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, or similar) to speed up development
• Make confident technical decisions with minimal guidance
• Follow clear architectural standards and established development patterns
• Understand backend performance, scalability, and security at production scale
• Build reliable, maintainable APIs and data systems
• Collaborate effectively with front‑end developers to design and implement seamless integrations
• Apply caching and optimization techniques for high‑traffic environments

We're not looking for:

• Developers needing extensive supervision or mentoring
• Anyone without production experience in consumer‑facing systems
• Those who avoid AI coding tools

Core Technical Requirements:

• Node.js (extensive production experience) – this is key, you must have
• RESTful API design and development (production experience)
• Database design and optimisation (SQL and/or NoSQL)
• Authentication, authorization, and security best practices
• AI coding tools (GitHub Copilot, Claude, Cursor, or similar)

Nice to Have:

• React JS / Next.js (for full stack capability)
• Payload CMS
• Azure
• Microservices architecture