Java Developer - Remote

Role Overview

Join a customer team as a Backend Developer (Java Developer - AI Expert) in a remote, part-time contract capacity. You will design and improve robust backend APIs and collaborate with a research-focused team to evaluate AI-powered models and their impact on real coding workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize REST and GraphQL endpoints for scalable backend APIs.
• Implement and maintain data validation, error handling, and API security best practices.
• Plan and execute database migrations, performance tuning, and schema changes.
• Test new AI-powered models in Cursor, and provide actionable feedback via:
  • incident reports
  • bug traces
  • screenshots
• Participate in 4-day intensive testing bursts focused on how AI models affect developer workflows.
• Collaborate with the research team in a dedicated Slack channel.
• Submit detailed post-burst surveys covering model performance and developer experience.

Requirements

• 3+ years professional backend development experience with strong Java expertise.
• Proficient in building and maintaining RESTful and GraphQL APIs.
• Advanced knowledge 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 is highly desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (especially incident/bug reporting).
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative remote environment.

Preferred Qualifications

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