Backend Developer (Freelance)

Passionate about tech, digital, and innovation? Join the 1,800 employees at Smile, the European leader in open-source integration, spread across 20 agencies in 9 countries. Collaborative spirit and knowledge sharing are at the heart of our DNA. Our experts push the boundaries of open source every day to build a smarter, more efficient, and more responsible digital world. Here, we don't just follow trends, we create them! 🌟 Join Smile in Brussels and take part in projects that truly matter! 🏆

We are currently looking for a talented Backend Developer (Freelance) to join our dynamic team and work on high-impact projects for one of our major clients.

Position Overview

• Status: Freelance
• Location: Brussels, Belgium (Hybrid model: 2-3 days of remote work per week)

Your Responsibilities

As a Backend Developer, your daily missions will include:

• Designing and developing robust, scalable, and high-performance backend APIs and microservices.
• Ensuring code quality through rigorous testing (unit, integration) and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Collaborating closely with Frontend Developers, Product Owners, and DevOps engineers to deliver seamless digital solutions.
• Optimizing applications for maximum speed, security, and scalability.
• Troubleshooting and debugging production issues to maintain high system availability.
• (For Senior profiles) Mentoring junior team members, driving technical architecture decisions, and championing best development practices.

Profile & Technical Skills

• Strong experience in backend development using modern open-source languages and frameworks (e.g., Python, Node.js, Java, PHP, or Go).
• Solid understanding of relational and non-relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
• Familiarity with RESTful APIs, GraphQL, and microservices architecture.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) is a strong asset.
• Good understanding of Git, CI/CD tools, and agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong team spirit.
• Language: Professional fluency in English. Knowledge of French or Dutch is a plus.

Why Smile?

• Proximity Management: Our management by peers fosters open dialogue and the implementation of a tailored career path.
• Continuous Learning: Because the digital sector is in constant motion, Smile is committed to making you an expert in your field, thanks to a comprehensive training offer: access to an e-learning platform, financing of certifications, and knowledge-sharing tools.
• Vibrant Culture: Your year will be animated by group and agency events: annual convention, participation in trade fairs, summer party, and formal & informal afterworks.

🚀 The Next Steps

• First Contact: A phone call to discuss your aspirations and what we can offer you.
• Meeting: An opportunity to get to know each other and explore your professional background.
• Business Interview: A discussion with one of our experts to assess your technical skills and define your goals.