Senior Backend Developer (freelance)

intent is hiring a Senior Backend Developer (freelance) to architect and operate cloud infrastructure for IoT and connected device platforms. This is a remote, full-time engagement with a distributed team of 60+ engineers building hardware products for leading clients in health tech and audio.

What This Role Involves

You'll lead backend systems that form the data bridge between embedded firmware and cloud intelligence. You won't simply execute specifications—you'll make architectural decisions, weigh competing approaches, and communicate the reasoning behind your choices to engineers and clients alike. Decisions made here have downstream consequences in device behavior, making this a position of genuine technical leadership. You'll work with AWS infrastructure at production scale, mentor team members, and participate in shaping the technical direction across projects.

Core Duties

• Design, build, and operate production cloud systems supporting IoT data ingestion, APIs, and device backends on AWS infrastructure
• Lead technical architecture discussions; anticipate problems and create solutions before they impact projects
• Develop high-throughput data pipelines and storage systems tailored to hardware device constraints and real-time data requirements
• Work across firmware, mobile, QA, and product teams to align technical approach with business and user needs
• Build team capability through code patterns, documentation, technical mentorship, and knowledge-sharing
• Apply AI development tools and techniques as standard practice in your workflow
• Raise concerns about technical or product direction when your analysis points to a better path, regardless of difficulty

What We're Looking For

• Extensive production backend development experience with cloud infrastructure, particularly AWS
• Proven ability to shape architectural choices and articulate the thinking behind them
• Capacity to build structure and momentum in situations lacking clear direction or specifications
• Background working with high-volume data systems, real-time pipelines, or performance-critical infrastructure
• Experience developing engineers and raising code quality standards on teams
• Collaborative working style across hardware, embedded systems, and full-stack teams
• Fluency with AI-assisted development as part of normal practice

More About intent

intent has developed connected hardware products since 2008, ranging from wearables to smart audio to medical-grade health devices, for clients including Oura and BOSE, backed by leading venture investors. The company is entirely remote with flexible working hours, primarily 10:00–18:00 CET with occasional evening calls for North American time zones. You'll join the Mobile chapter for technical community and a project squad for delivery. The first three months establish whether the fit is sustainable; if the work, pipeline, and timing align, a permanent contract becomes possible, offering a fixed salary, 26 days annual paid leave, medical benefits, and a professional development budget.

How to Apply

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.