Back End Developer (WFH)

About the Role Alignerr is seeking Back End Developers to build and optimize the server-side systems that support advanced AI products. This contract role focuses on developing reliable APIs, data pipelines, scalable microservices, and backend infrastructure for AI training and inference workloads. You’ll work on technically challenging projects involving distributed systems, cloud services, databases, and high-performance architecture. The role offers flexibility to manage your schedule while collaborating asynchronously with engineers, researchers, and product leads across distributed teams. Whether you’re an experienced backend engineer seeking meaningful project work or a developer interested in contributing to AI-related infrastructure, this opportunity offers the chance to apply your engineering skills to practical, large-scale systems. Key Responsibilities •Design, develop, and maintain robust backend services, APIs, and data pipelines. •Build scalable, high-performance server-side systems to support AI training and inference workloads. •Write clean, well-documented, testable code that follows established engineering practices. •Integrate backend services with databases, message queues, cloud platforms, and third-party APIs. •Optimize system performance, reliability, and scalability as usage grows. •Collaborate asynchronously with distributed teams of engineers, researchers, and product leads. •Troubleshoot production issues, participate in code reviews, and contribute to architectural decisions. •Work independently on task-based and project-based assignments while managing your own schedule. Required Qualifications & Technical Skills •Proficiency in at least one backend programming language, such as Python, Go, Java, Node.js, Rust, or a similar language. •Solid understanding of RESTful API design, microservices architecture, and distributed systems. •Experience with relational or NoSQL databases, such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Redis. •Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or Microsoft Azure. •Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes. •Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to independently debug complex systems. •Ability to work reliably and independently without close supervision. •Clear written and verbal communication skills, including documenting technical decisions and collaborating across time zones. Preferred Qualifications •Experience building infrastructure for machine learning or AI systems. •Familiarity with data processing frameworks such as Apache Kafka, Spark, or Airflow. •Experience with performance optimization, caching strategies, or high-throughput systems. •Knowledge of authentication, authorization, and security best practices. •Experience with serverless architectures or event-driven design patterns. •Contributions to open-source projects or a strong portfolio of personal or professional work. Contract Details & Benefits •Hourly contract with a flexible commitment of 10–40 hours per week. •Fully remote work with the flexibility to set your own hours. •Opportunity to work on AI infrastructure projects alongside leading research labs. •Access to technically challenging freelance projects at the intersection of software engineering and artificial intelligence. •Collaboration with a global network of engineers and researchers. •Potential for continued assignments and contract extensions as new projects become available. Work Arrangement This is a fully remote contract opportunity open to engineers across the Netherlands. The role offers schedule flexibility and independent project ownership, with work assigned according to project needs.