Developer

We are seeking an experienced software engineer to lead research and prototype development for a multi-vendor e-commerce marketplace aimed at competing with major platforms like Amazon and eBay. This engagement focuses on initial research and prototyping rather than full marketplace development. The objective is to deliver a comprehensive research report, a practical technical plan, and a functional prototype that can be evaluated before proceeding to the next phase. The ideal candidate will work independently, apply critical thinking, and translate business ideas into a clear and feasible technical direction.

Key Responsibilities

- Conduct in-depth analysis of leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and eBay, examining features, buyer and seller workflows, fees, and customer experience to identify gaps and opportunities.
- Translate business requirements into a prioritized list of minimum viable product (MVP) features.
- Recommend a cost-effective and practical technology stack, system architecture, and database design, including build-versus-buy decisions for payments, shipping, and hosting solutions.
- Design responsive UI/UX and map out the primary journeys for buyers, sellers, and administrators.
- Develop a working prototype that includes:
- Buyer functionalities such as browsing, search and filters, product pages, cart, and simulated checkout.
- Seller functionalities including onboarding, basic storefront, and product listing management.
- Admin controls for managing sellers, products, and orders.
- Utilize AI-assisted development tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude, ChatGPT, Lovable, Replit) to enhance productivity while critically reviewing and refining AI-generated outputs.
- Employ Git and GitHub for version control; mock integrations for payments and shipping as needed.
- Test core user journeys, resolve issues, and document bugs thoroughly.
- Deliver a demo, a development roadmap, and a rough effort estimate for full marketplace development.

Required Qualifications

- Proven experience as a software engineer or full-stack developer with demonstrable projects.
- Strong proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript, React or Next.js, backend development, APIs, and databases such as PostgreSQL, Supabase, or Firebase.
- Solid understanding of software architecture, e-commerce workflows, and security fundamentals.
- Hands-on experience with AI-assisted development tools and the ability to critically evaluate and correct AI-generated code.
- Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Experience working on marketplace or multi-vendor platforms is advantageous.
- Familiarity with cloud hosting, deployment processes, and SEO-friendly architecture is a plus.
- Direct collaboration with the project lead, offering real influence over technical decisions.
- Remote, flexible, part-time work arrangement.
- Opportunity to shape the concept and architecture of a marketplace from inception.
- Potential for continued involvement in full development if the prototype is approved (not guaranteed).
- Certificate of completion and professional reference provided upon project conclusion.

Applicants should be prepared to provide their CV or LinkedIn profile, links to portfolios or GitHub repositories, a brief summary of their role in past projects, preferred technology stack, approach to AI-assisted development, and weekly availability.