Senior Full Stack / Backend Developer (AI-Driven) – Contract, 6 months, Outside IR35

We are supporting a fast-growing technology business that is expanding its engineering capability. They need an experienced AI-first full stack or backend-focused senior developer to strengthen their API development and backend systems. You’ll work closely with front-end engineers to deliver a high-performance consumer platform.

You will:

  • Work across the stack with a strong backend focus

  • Use AI coding tools to speed up development and problem-solving

  • Build and maintain production APIs for consumer-facing products

  • Apply deep backend experience to make confident technical decisions

  • Follow established architecture and coding standards while collaborating with senior technical leadership

  • Deliver robust, secure, and scalable backend solutions

  • Collaborate with front-end teams to create efficient API integrations

  • Optimize performance and caching for high-traffic environments

You should have:

  • Extensive Node.js experience in production environments

  • Strong RESTful API design and development skills

  • Solid database design and optimization (SQL or NoSQL)

  • Understanding of authentication, security, and scalability

  • Active use of AI coding tools such as Copilot, Claude, or Cursor

Nice to have:

  • React.js or Next.js experience

  • Payload CMS knowledge

  • Azure experience

  • Background in microservices architecture

We’re not looking for:

  • Developers who require heavy mentoring

  • Candidates without production experience in consumer products

  • Those not using AI tools as part of their workflow

This contract suits a senior engineer who delivers fast, thinks independently, and enjoys applying AI to speed up and improve development outcomes.