About the role

This isn't a full-time position. We're looking for trusted collaborators we activate on a per-project basis—when we have work that fits your profile and your schedule. Collaboration starts with one project, and if the first one goes well, the next ones come naturally.

Realistic scenario: the first call is 30 minutes. If we click, the second call is technical—we talk about your past projects, problems you solved, how you choose technologies. If we call you for a real project, we start with a smaller scope (2–4 weeks) so both sides can see how the collaboration works before bigger commitments.

What you'll do

The work varies from project to project. Typical tasks include:

- Backend system development—REST/GraphQL APIs, integrations with external services, database query optimization
- Full-stack work on SaaS products—from database to interface, with focus on the parts where performance and reliability aren't optional
- Refactoring and migrating existing systems—situations where "the code works, but no one fully understands why anymore"
- Technical estimates for new projects—you help us tell the client how much something costs and how long it takes, with arguments to back it
- Code review and mentoring collaborators (if that's your thing)—occasionally, on projects where the team is larger

We don't do "support tickets from 2018" or "add one more dropdown to the 800-page admin panel." Projects are focused, with clear goals.

What we're looking for

- 3+ years of commercial experience with Symfony, Node, Python, or a similar backend stack
- Independence—you can ship a feature from database to API without a detailed ticket, understanding why some decisions have long-term consequences
- Understanding of performance—you know why "fast code" ≠ "good code", you can read a database query execution plan
- Understanding of security—authorization, input validation, OWASP Top 10 isn't a surprise
- Communication in English (Serbian is a plus)—you explain technical decisions clearly to non-technical people when needed
- Remote discipline—you work independently, show up to weekly demos, escalate problems early

Nice to have, but not required

- Experience with Sulu CMS (rare expertise, projects do come up)
- Experience with AI integration in backend systems (LLM APIs, RAG, vector databases)
- Experience with legacy system migrations—PHP4 → modern stacks
- Domain experience—fintech, medtech, e-commerce, or B2B SaaS
- Open-source contributions—doesn't have to be a big deal, but it shows curiosity

What you get from working with us

- Paid on time and fairly—the rate is agreed before the project, paid by invoice within the agreed timeframe
- Concrete projects, not "a blob of work"—before each project you know the scope, deadline, rate, and client
- A technical collaborator who gets it—you won't have to explain why refactoring matters or defend the decision to write tests
- Repeat collaboration—if the first project goes well, the next one usually comes 3–6 months later
- No politics—no ten layers of approval, no "let's do one more stakeholder call," no tickets for bugs that already have three assignees