Back End Developer (Contractor / Freelancer)

Back End Developer

You're an experienced Back End Developer who loves the challenge of building robust, scalable, and highly efficient systems. While you are comfortable across the full stack and have a deep expertise in PHP (with a strong preference for the Laravel framework), you also possess the versatility to work seamlessly with modern front-end tech stacks.

You excel at building seamless, high-performance APIs for modern front-ends like Next.js, have a passion for data architecture, and bring significant experience with Craft CMS, WordPress, and other headless CMS platforms. You thrive on writing clean server-side code, optimizing databases, and ensuring the engine under the hood runs flawlessly while collaborating on the user experience.

* This is a freelancer/contractor role based on project work, but could open doors to future work with us

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of high-performance, responsive, and accessible user interfaces using Next.js.
• Architect and implement seamless data consumption from our headless CMS APIs, with a strong focus on Craft CMS, WordPress, and GraphQL.
• Architect, develop, and maintain complex web applications with a strong emphasis on PHP back-end architecture and APIs.
• Integrate and work extensively with headless CMS platforms, with a focus on Craft CMS, WordPress, and others.
• Develop and maintain efficient APIs for front-end consumption, particularly for applications built with Next.js.
• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines and other DevOps practices.
• Optimize back-end performance and ensure data security.
• Collaborate with other developers to ensure seamless integration and functionality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across the full stack.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional web development experience, with a heavy focus on back-end and API architecture.
• Experience working with a creative agency is a big plus!
• Deep expertise in PHP, with a strong preference for the Laravel framework.
• Strong understanding of Next.js and modern front-end frameworks.
• Significant hands-on experience with Craft CMS and WordPress (specifically structured as headless data sources).
• Advanced GraphQL experience is a must.
• Proficiency in Next, React, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and version control systems (Git).
• Strong problem-solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
• Excellent proactive communication and collaboration abilities.

Bonus Points

• Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Hands-on experience with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Statamic CMS platforms.
• A strict, security-first mindset in API development and database management.

Salary & Contract Terms

This is a Freelance/Contractor role with potential for future project work.