Node.js Developer for Scalable API & Backend Systems

We’re seeking an experienced Node.js Developer to join our backend engineering team and help build a high-performance, secure API layer for our growing web and mobile platform.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of backend architecture, asynchronous programming, and RESTful design principles. You’ll work closely with our frontend developers (React/Next.js) and DevOps engineers to deliver efficient, well-documented, and production-ready APIs.

This is an 8–10 week project, focused on developing a scalable Node.js backend using Express.js, MongoDB, and JWT authentication. You’ll also help optimize query performance, secure endpoints, and ensure high availability under load.

Our goal is to build a robust, modular API architecture that can easily support future mobile and third-party integrations.

If you love writing clean code, implementing real-time features (WebSockets), and optimizing backend performance — this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain RESTful APIs using Node.js & Express.js

Integrate secure authentication with JWT and OAuth 2.0

Build and manage databases using MongoDB or PostgreSQL

Develop real-time features using WebSockets or Socket.IO

Optimize server-side performance and query execution

Create reusable middleware and modular route structures

Implement input validation and sanitization to prevent XSS/SQL injection

Collaborate with the frontend team for seamless API integration

Handle error logging and monitoring with Sentry or LogRocket

Write automated unit and integration tests using Jest/Mocha

Deploy applications using Docker, AWS EC2, or DigitalOcean

Ensure scalability, reliability, and high availability

Manage CI/CD pipelines for automatic deployment

Create API documentation using Swagger or Postman

Participate in daily standups and code review sessions

Required Skills

3+ years of experience in Node.js development

Strong proficiency with JavaScript (ES6+) and Express.js

Experience with MongoDB, PostgreSQL, or both

Hands-on experience with JWT, OAuth 2.0, and bcrypt for security

Understanding of RESTful architecture and API versioning

Familiarity with Socket.IO and WebSockets

Strong debugging and profiling skills

Knowledge of Docker and container-based deployments

Proficiency with Git, GitHub Actions, or GitLab CI/CD

Basic understanding of Nginx and reverse proxy setups

Experience with AWS / DigitalOcean / Vercel environments

Testing frameworks like Jest or Mocha

Familiarity with caching systems (Redis / Memcached)

Understanding of security best practices

Excellent communication and documentation skills

Tools & Technologies

Runtime: Node.js 20+

Framework: Express.js

Database: MongoDB / PostgreSQL

Cache: Redis

Authentication: JWT / OAuth 2.0

Testing: Jest / Mocha / Supertest

CI/CD: GitHub Actions / Docker

Documentation: Swagger / Postman

Monitoring: Sentry / LogRocket

Server: Nginx / PM2

Deliverables

Fully functional and tested Node.js API layer

Database schema with relationships and indexes

Authentication and authorization modules

Real-time communication system (if required)

Complete API documentation (Swagger/Postman)

CI/CD setup for automated deployment

15 days post-launch bug support

Two revision cycles for major feedback

Budget Options

Hourly Rate: $40 – $75/hour

Project-Based: $6,000 – $13,000

Retainer (Optional): $5,000 – $7,500/month for maintenance and scaling

Timeline

Week 1: Architecture setup, requirements & environment config

Weeks 2–6: Core API, authentication, and database development

Week 7: Testing, debugging, and performance optimization

Week 8–9: Final integration & deployment

Week 10: Post-launch revisions and stabilization

Success Metrics

Average API response time under 200ms

99.9% uptime across environments

95%+ automated test coverage

Zero critical vulnerabilities (XSS, CSRF, injection)

Smooth integration with frontend and mobile apps

Positive performance metrics (Google Lighthouse/API Benchmarks)

Ideal Candidate Profile

You’re an independent problem solver who writes clean, modular code and thrives on building backends that can handle growth and complexity. You care about scalability, developer experience, and code readability — not just making it “work.”

How to Apply

Submit your proposal with:

2–3 Node.js projects (live links or GitHub repos).

A short overview of your approach to API security and optimization.

Your preferred engagement type (hourly or project-based).

Qualified candidates will be contacted within 48 hours for a short technical interview.