Backend / Platform Engineer (Data & Architecture Focus) (Contract – Project-Based)

Engagement Type:
Contract / Project-Based (non-employment)

Stages:
A) Early architecture, B) MVP development, C) Full Product Release

⚠️ IF YOU HAVE ALREADY APPLIED, PLEASE DO NOT REAPPLY. We will review all applications.

⚠️ This is NOT a salaried role. It is a project-based contract. Only apply if you are comfortable with this setup.

⚠️ Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents only

Overview

The project is the development of a structured web-based platform "on a budget".

We are seeking a
backend-leaning Platform Engineer
who can contribute to
data modelling, system structure, and backend logic
, while also being hands-on in implementation.

This role is critical in ensuring the platform is
well-structured, scalable, and logically sound
, especially as we move from early design into MVP development. Seniority isn't a priority as long as you are able to perform and execute the requirements.

Nature of Engagement

• Contract / project-based (not full-time employment)
• Deliverable and milestone-driven
• Collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team
• Opportunity to contribute from architecture through product release

Role Summary

This role will focus on translating high-level product requirements into:

• structured data models
• clear backend logic and workflows
• scalable system foundations

You will work closely with frontend, UI/UX, and other contributors to ensure the platform is not only functional, but
cohesive and well-architected
.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and structure data models (entities, relationships, taxonomy)
• Define backend logic for workflows, permissions, and system behaviour
• Contribute to building APIs and system structure
• Support implementation within a low-code / no-code or hybrid environment
• Ensure consistency between frontend behaviour and backend logic
• Collaborate with UI/UX and frontend contributors to align structure and execution
• Identify gaps, edge cases, and potential scalability issues early
• Contribute to a simple, maintainable, and scalable architecture

Core Areas of Focus

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate strength in:

• Data modeling and structured system design
• Workflow and state-based logic
• Multi-user systems (roles, permissions, interactions)
• Translating requirements into structured backend solutions
• Balancing simplicity (MVP) with scalability (future growth)

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Ability to contribute to cost-efficient development (project on a budget)
• Experience building or contributing to web-based platforms
• Strong understanding of data structures and backend logic
• Working knowledge of APIs and system integration
• Comfortable working in early-stage or evolving environments
• Ability to think in systems, not just features
• Collaboration and communication skills
• Practical mindset (avoids over-engineering)
• Exposure to matching systems, search/filtering, or structured datasets
• Experience with dashboard-based or workflow-driven applications

Preferred Tools & Stacks

Backend & APIs

- Node.js
(highly preferred)
- Express.js / NestJS (nice to have)
- REST API design & implementation
- Basic understanding of GraphQL

Databases & Data Modeling

- PostgreSQL
(strongly preferred – structured data)
- MySQL (nice to have)
- Basic exposure to
NoSQL (MongoDB)

Experience with:

• schema design
• relational data modeling
• query optimization (basic level)

APIs & Integration Tools

• Postman / Insomnia (API testing)

Experience integrating:

• third-party APIs
• authentication systems
• data services

Authentication & Permissions

Basic experience with:

• JWT / session-based auth
• role-based access control (RBAC)

Version Control & Collaboration

• Git (GitHub / GitLab / Bitbucket)
• branching and collaboration workflows

Cloud / Deployment (Light Requirement)

• Familiarity with: AWS / GCP / Azure

What We Value

• Clarity over complexity
• Practical execution over theory
• Strong system thinking
• Ability to simplify and structure
• Honest assessment of strengths and limitations
• Team collaboration

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will participate in:

• Initial screening discussion
• Collaborative session with other candidates
• Potential system/design-focused exercise
• Final selection based on alignment and contribution

Additional Notes

• All design, structure, architecture, and code will be original; the company owns IP
• NDA and IP assignment required before full project details are shared
• This is NOT a salaried role — project-based with defined deliverables
• Candidate may have a full-time/part-time job as long as they can commit to the deliverables
• Final candidates will complete a pilot test (tech challenge) either individually or as a small team
• Candidates may be part of a team-based delivery model
• Scope, deliverables, and compensation finalized with selected candidate(s)

Eligibility

Candidates must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents

How to Apply

If you feel you are an excellent candidate, have the required skills and experience indicated above, please send your attached resume through this link and send any additional important details to info@potenco.ca

Only qualified candidates who are eligible to work in Canada without restrictions will be contacted. Thank you in advance for your interest.

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(AI may have been used to write parts of this job posting\*)