Freelance Java Backend Developer Jobs in Alabama

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Full Stack Web & Mobile Application Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable web and mobile applications across our Christian faith-based organization's entire technology stack. This role works on both front-end and back-end systems, collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, and delivers secure, reliable, and user-focused solutions that support organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Application Development

• Design, develop, test, and maintain full-stack web applications.
• Build responsive, accessible user interfaces using modern front-end frameworks.
• Develop robust server-side logic, APIs, and integrations.
• Implement and optimize database schemas, queries, and data models.

System Integration & Architecture

• Integrate third-party services, APIs, and internal systems.
• Ensure application performance, scalability, and security.
• Participate in architecture decisions and technical design reviews.
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DevOps & Deployment

• Support deployment pipelines and application releases.
• Monitor application health, troubleshoot issues, and resolve defects.
• Maintain documentation for systems, APIs, and development standards.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with designers, product owners, analysts, and stakeholders.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to team standards and best practices.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and recommend improvements.

Required Qualifications:

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Experience with at least one modern front-end framework (React, Vue, or Angular).
• Strong back-end development experience (Node.js, Python, PHP, Java, or C#).
• Experience building RESTful or GraphQL APIs.
• Working knowledge of relational and/or NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with version control systems (Git).
• Familiar and comfortable with CLI commands iOS & Android Mobile App Development.
• Experience developing native or cross-platform mobile applications for iOS and/or Android.
• Proficiency with Swift and/or Objective-C for iOS development, or Kotlin and/or Java for Android development.
• Experience with cross-platform frameworks such as React Native or Flutter.
• Familiarity with Apple App Store and Google Play Store submission processes and guidelines.
• Understanding of mobile UI/UX design principles and platform-specific design patterns (Human Interface Guidelines, Material Design).
• Experience integrating mobile apps with RESTful or GraphQL APIs and thirdparty SDKs.
• Knowledge of mobile app performance optimization, memory management, and battery efficiency.
• Familiarity with mobile authentication methods including OAuth, biometric, and push notification services (APNs, FCM).
• Experience with mobile testing frameworks and tools (XCTest, Espresso, or Detox).
• Understanding of mobile app security best practices and data privacy standards.

Professional Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset with a high degree of ownership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Experienced with Student Information Systems and Customer Relationship Management Platforms.
• Familiarity with containerization and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with authentication, authorization, and security best practices.
• Exposure to data reporting, analytics, or enterprise systems.
• Experience working in agile or hybrid project environments.
• Experience with WordPress, Next.js, and Shopify Strong understanding and sense of UI/UX design.
  

Other Duties:

• Participate in ministry at Church of the Highlands and Highlands College by leading small groups.
• Affirm and uphold the Statement of Faith and the Core Values and DNA of the College, exemplifying all by word and lifestyle.

Extent of Public Contact:

• Medium

Direct Reports:

This position is not a team lead for any Highlands College teammates.