Backend Engineer (Freelance)

Role overview Build and operate backend services for user-facing software in a remote, AI-focused engineering team. The work spans service development, external integrations, and operational ownership, with an emphasis on communicating clearly and addressing issues early.

Responsibilities - Develop and maintain backend services using TypeScript and Node.js. - Connect services to third-party APIs and external data sources. - Write readable, tested code and use AI tools to support development, debugging, refactoring, and documentation. - Identify and address bugs, performance issues, and architectural risks. - Coordinate with engineers in a remote setting, sharing progress, blockers, and risks proactively. - Manage operational priorities independently through the end of the contract.

Requirements - At least five years of backend engineering experience, including two or more years with Node.js. - Experience building at least one large-scale system from the ground up. - Practical experience with an AI-enabled coding tool such as Cursor, Claude Code, or Codex. - Strong communication skills and comfort working asynchronously with a distributed team. - A proactive, ownership-oriented approach to identifying and resolving problems. - Ability to manage complexity and priorities independently in an operational role.

Benefits and work setup - Short-term, full-time contract; availability is needed through the contract’s end. - Remote work from anywhere is listed. - Must be available for meetings in Central Time, with at least two to three hours of daily overlap.