Demo

Back End Developer (Contractor / Freelancer)

Metajive
Encinitas, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/5/2026
Description

You're an experienced Back End Developer who loves the challenge of building robust, scalable, and highly efficient systems. While you are comfortable across the full stack and have a deep expertise in PHP (with a strong preference for the Laravel framework), you also possess the versatility to work seamlessly with modern front-end tech stacks.

You excel at building seamless, high-performance APIs for modern front-ends like Next.js, have a passion for data architecture, and bring significant experience with Craft CMS, WordPress, and other headless CMS platforms. You thrive on writing clean server-side code, optimizing databases, and ensuring the engine under the hood runs flawlessly while collaborating on the user experience.

  • This is a freelancer / contractor role based on project work, but could open doors to future work with us

Requirements

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of high-performance, responsive, and accessible user interfaces using Next.js.
  • Architect and implement seamless data consumption from our headless CMS APIs, with a strong focus on Craft CMS, WordPress, and GraphQL.
  • Architect, develop, and maintain complex web applications with a strong emphasis on PHP back-end architecture and APIs.
  • Integrate and work extensively with headless CMS platforms, with a focus on Craft CMS, WordPress, and others.
  • Develop and maintain efficient APIs for front-end consumption, particularly for applications built with Next.js.
  • Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines and other DevOps practices.
  • Optimize back-end performance and ensure data security.
  • Collaborate with other developers to ensure seamless integration and functionality.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues across the full stack.

Qualifications

  • 6 years of professional web development experience, with a heavy focus on back-end and API architecture.
  • Experience working with a creative agency is a Big plus!
  • Deep expertise in PHP, with a strong preference for the Laravel framework.
  • Strong understanding of Next.js and modern front-end frameworks.
  • Significant hands-on experience with Craft CMS and WordPress (specifically structured as headless data sources).
  • Advanced GraphQL experience is a must.
  • Proficiency in Next, React, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and version control systems (Git).
  • Strong problem-solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
  • Excellent proactive communication and collaboration abilities.

Bonus Points

  • Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Hands-on experience with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Statamic CMS platforms.
  • A strict, security-first mindset in API development and database management.

Salary & Contract Terms

This is a Freelance/Contractor role with potential for future project work.

Salary.com Estimation for Back End Developer (Contractor / Freelancer) in Encinitas, CA
$109,399 to $135,595
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