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