Web Platform Engineer (Data & Architecture) / Backend Developer | Non-Salaried (Temp/Contract)

Engagement Type:

Contract / Project-Based (non-employment)

Stages:

A) Early architecture, B) MVP development, C) Full Product Release

⚠️ \\\ ATTENTION\\\ This is NOT a Salaried/Full-time/Part-time/Employment position. This is a temporary project (contract) opportunity.

⚠️

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY APPLIED, PLEASE DO NOT REAPPLY. We will review all applications.

⚠️ Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents only

Overview The project is the development of a structured web-based platform "on a budget".

We are seeking a backend-leaning Platform Engineer who can contribute to data modelling, system structure, and backend logic

, while also being hands-on in implementation.

This role is critical in ensuring the platform is well-structured, scalable, and logically sound

, especially as we move from early design into MVP development. Seniority isn't a priority as long as you are able to perform and execute the requirements.

Nature of Engagement

  • Contract / project-based (not full-time employment)
  • Deliverable and milestone-driven
  • Collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team
  • Opportunity to contribute from architecture through product release

Role Summary

This role will focus on translating high-level product requirements into:
  • structured data models
  • clear backend logic and workflows
  • scalable system foundations
You will work closely with frontend, UI/UX, and other contributors to ensure the platform is not only functional, but cohesive and well-architected

.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and structure data models (entities, relationships, taxonomy)
  • Define backend logic for workflows, permissions, and system behaviour
  • Contribute to building APIs and system structure
  • Support implementation within a low-code / no-code or hybrid environment
  • Ensure consistency between frontend behaviour and backend logic
  • Collaborate with UI/UX and frontend contributors to align structure and execution
  • Identify gaps, edge cases, and potential scalability issues early
  • Contribute to a simple, maintainable, and scalable architecture

Core Areas of Focus

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate strength in:
  • Data modeling and structured system design
  • Workflow and state-based logic
  • Multi-user systems (roles, permissions, interactions)
  • Translating requirements into structured backend solutions
  • Balancing simplicity (MVP) with scalability (future growth)

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Ability to contribute to cost-efficient development (project on a budget)
  • Experience building or contributing to web-based platforms
  • Strong understanding of data structures and backend logic
  • Working knowledge of APIs and system integration
  • Comfortable working in early-stage or evolving environments
  • Ability to think in systems, not just features
  • Collaboration and communication skills
  • Practical mindset (avoids over-engineering)
  • Exposure to matching systems, search/filtering, or structured datasets
  • Experience with dashboard-based or workflow-driven applications
Preferred Tools & Stacks

Backend & APIs

  • Node.js
(highly preferred)
  • Express.js / NestJS (nice to have)
  • REST API design & implementation
  • Basic understanding of GraphQL
Databases & Data Modeling
  • PostgreSQL
(strongly preferred – structured data)
  • MySQL (nice to have)
  • Basic exposure to

NoSQL (MongoDB)

Experience with

  • schema design
  • relational data modeling
  • query optimization (basic level)
APIs & Integration Tools
  • Postman / Insomnia (API testing)

Experience integrating

  • third-party APIs
  • authentication systems
  • data services
Authentication & Permissions

Basic experience with

  • JWT / session-based auth
  • role-based access control (RBAC)
Version Control & Collaboration
  • Git (GitHub / GitLab / Bitbucket)
  • branching and collaboration workflows
Cloud / Deployment (Light Requirement)
  • Familiarity with: AWS / GCP / Azure

What We Value

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