Java Developer - Remote

Role overview

Join a customer’s team as a Java Backend Developer (AI Expert) in a part-time contract remote role. You will design and continuously improve robust backend APIs while collaborating with cutting-edge AI research to evaluate how AI models impact real coding workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize REST and GraphQL endpoints for scalable APIs
• Implement data validation, error handling, and API security best practices
• Plan and execute database migrations, performance optimizations, and schema changes
• Test and evaluate new AI-powered models in Cursor, and report findings via incident reports/bug traces/screenshots
• Participate in 4-day intensive testing bursts focused on developer workflow impact
• Collaborate with the research team in a dedicated Slack channel
• Submit detailed post-burst surveys on model performance and developer experience

Requirements

• 3+ years professional backend development experience with strong Java expertise
• Proficiency building and 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
• Extensive use of AI tools for coding; Cursor familiarity highly desirable
• Strong written/verbal communication, especially clear incident and bug reporting
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, confidential remote environment

Preferred qualifications

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