Senior Backend Developer – Freelance Contractor

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Backend Developer to join our team on a freelance/contract basis. You will design and build high‑performance APIs and back‑end systems that power modern front‑ends such as Next.js, while integrating headless CMS solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development of responsive, accessible user interfaces using React (Next.js).
• Architect and implement data consumption from headless CMS APIs (Craft CMS, WordPress, GraphQL).
• Design, develop, and maintain complex PHP applications with a focus on Laravel architecture and API design.
• Integrate and manage headless CMS platforms, ensuring seamless data flow.
• Develop and maintain efficient APIs for front‑end consumption, especially for Next.js applications.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines and adopt DevOps best practices.
• Optimize back‑end performance, ensure data security, and troubleshoot full‑stack issues.

Required profile

• 6+ years of professional web development experience, primarily back‑end and API architecture.
• Deep expertise in PHP and Laravel.
• Strong understanding of modern front‑end frameworks, especially Next.js and React.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with Craft CMS and WordPress as headless data sources.
• Advanced experience with GraphQL.
• Proficiency in Node.js, Python, and other backend technologies.
• Excellent problem‑solving, debugging, and analytical abilities.
• Proactive communication and collaboration skills.

Required skills

• PHP, Laravel
• JavaScript, React, Next.js
• HTML, CSS
• Git
• GraphQL
• Craft CMS, WordPress
• Node.js, Python
• Docker, Kubernetes
• Shopify, WooCommerce, Statamic
• CI/CD, API development, database optimization, security