Java Developer - Remote

Role Overview

Join a customer’s team as a Java Backend Developer (AI Expert) in a remote, part-time contract role. You will design, implement, and improve robust backend APIs while collaborating with cutting-edge AI research to evaluate and shape developer tooling.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable REST and GraphQL API endpoints.
• Implement strong data validation, error handling, and API security best practices.
• Plan and execute database migrations, performance tuning, and schema changes.
• Test AI-powered models in Cursor, providing feedback via:
  • incident reports
  • bug traces
  • screenshots
• Participate in 4-day intensive testing bursts to evaluate how AI models affect real coding workflows.
• Collaborate with the research team (via Slack) to discuss findings and propose improvements.
• Submit post-burst surveys covering model performance and developer experience.

Requirements

• 3+ years of professional backend development experience, with strong Java expertise.
• Proficient building/maintaining RESTful and GraphQL APIs.
• Advanced understanding of backend data validation, error handling, and API security.
• Hands-on experience with database migrations, performance tuning, and schema design.
• Strong written and verbal communication, especially incident/bug reporting.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, confidential, collaborative remote environment.
• Extensive use of AI coding tools; Cursor is highly desirable.

Nice to Have

• Visible open-source contributions (e.g., GitHub stars/contributions).
• Experience designing or evaluating experimental tooling and developer workflows.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for AI advancements in software development.