Back End Developer

🔧 Backend Developer

Position: Backend Developer

Job Type: Full-Time, Remote

Location: Philippines or South Africa

Working Hours: Full-time with overlap during 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time (CT)

Salary Range: $1,000–$1,300/month

Type of Contract: Independent Contractor

About the Role:

We’re hiring a backend developer to join a high-ownership engineering team building a new SaaS social platform from scratch. You’ll be responsible for designing and maintaining the backend infrastructure, working directly with the founder to create robust and scalable services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain backend systems using Node.js / NestJS or Python / FastAPI.
• Design scalable APIs and integrate with third-party services including OpenAI/LLM APIs, vector databases, real-time messaging, and payment gateways.
• Own the backend architecture, deployment, monitoring, and optimization.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, QA testers, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in daily Zoom standups, weekly sprint planning, and async updates via Slack and Notion.
• Solve backend issues independently and suggest architectural improvements.
• Occasionally handle urgent hotfixes on weekends if critical issues arise.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in backend development with consumer-facing or high-traffic platforms.
• Strong experience with Node.js / NestJS or Python / FastAPI.
• Deep understanding of REST APIs, databases, authentication, and cloud deployments.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal), with strong collaboration skills.
• Able to work independently and handle early-stage infrastructure challenges.
• Must be located in the Philippines or South Africa and available to work during CT hours.

Nice-to-Have:

• AWS or Google Cloud certifications (Developer Associate, Solutions Architect, etc.).
• Experience integrating AI tools, messaging systems, or payments in production environments.
• Prior experience building backend systems for early-stage startups.