CONTRACT AI BACKEND ENGINEER (OUTSIDE IR35)

CONTRACT AI BACKEND ENGINEER (OUTSIDE IR35)

Freelance 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Searchability

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build scalable backend applications using C# and .NET while leveraging AI tools.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking tech team embracing AI-assisted software development.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Initial 3-month contract with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in AI-driven engineering and enhance your skills with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Strong experience with C#, .NET, and AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We’re looking for an experienced Contract AI Backend Engineer to join a forward-thinking technology team that is actively embracing AI-assisted software development. This is a unique opportunity for a contractor who is already leveraging tools such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor or OpenAI as part of their daily workflow and wants to work in an environment where AI is genuinely embedded into the engineering culture.

You’ll be building and enhancing backend systems using C# and .NET whilst helping drive best practice around AI-powered software delivery.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

As an AI Engineer, you will:

  • Build scalable backend applications using C# and .NET
  • Use AI tools to accelerate development, testing and delivery
  • Review, validate and improve AI-generated code
  • Work across the full software development lifecycle
  • Deliver high-quality, secure and maintainable solutions
  • Collaborate with Architects, Engineers and Product teams
  • Champion modern AI-assisted engineering practices
WE NEED YOU TO HAVE…
  • Strong commercial experience with C# and .NET
  • Experience building backend applications and APIs
  • Hands-on experience with AI coding tools such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor or similar
  • Strong understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices
  • Experience working within Agile teams
  • Excellent communication skills
IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU ALSO HAVE…
  • Azure/AWS experience
  • CI/CD and DevOps knowledge
  • Experience mentoring engineers
  • Experience introducing AI engineering practices into development teams

TO BE CONSIDERED… Please either apply through this advert or email me directly via james.gambino@searchability.com. For further information, please call me on 01244 567 937.

CONTRACT AI BACKEND ENGINEER (OUTSIDE IR35) employer: Searchability

Join a dynamic technology team in Greater Manchester that champions innovation and embraces AI-assisted software development. As a Contract AI Backend Engineer, you'll benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive daily rates, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge tools while collaborating with talented professionals in a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and modern engineering practices.

Searchability

Contact Details:

Searchability Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land CONTRACT AI BACKEND ENGINEER (OUTSIDE IR35)

Make Your Portfolio Shine

As a freelancer in software development, your portfolio is your bread and butter. Showcase not only your completed projects but also your coding skills on platforms like GitHub or GitLab. This visibility can lead to clients reaching out to you directly!

Join Developer Communities

Get involved in developer communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/programming. Contributing to discussions, sharing your knowledge, or even helping others can expand your network and lead to freelance opportunities. Plus, it keeps you in the loop about what’s trending in software development.

Freelance Platforms Are Your Friend

Sign up for popular freelance platforms such as Upwork or Freelancer. They’re filled with people looking for talent like yours! Don’t forget to personalise your pitch to each potential client, highlighting how your unique skills can solve their specific problems.

Utilise Your Network

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your existing contacts - you never know who might need your services or can refer you to someone who does. Personal connections can lead to more reliable gigs than cold applications. And we're here to help too! If you're looking for freelance opportunities, check out opportunities listed on our website.

We think you need these skills to ace CONTRACT AI BACKEND ENGINEER (OUTSIDE IR35)

C#
.NET
AI Coding Tools (Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, OpenAI)
Backend Application Development
API Development
Software Architecture
Agile Methodologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your GitHub Projects:When applying for a freelance software engineering gig at Searchability, make sure to include your GitHub link in your application. Highlighting your code repositories, contributions to Open Source, and any personal projects can really set you apart and give us insight into your skills and coding style.

Tailor Your CV with Relevant Skills:In software development, the specifics matter! Make sure your CV lists the programming languages and technologies you excel at. Focus on the ones that align with the projects Searchability is working on. Listing your tech stack clearly will help us understand how you fit into our team.

Include a Portfolio of Your Work:A solid portfolio is a must when applying for freelance roles. Include links to any apps, websites, or software you've developed. Highlight any projects that reflect a strong user experience, efficiency, or innovative solutions—this is your chance to shine and show us what you can bring to the table!

Mention Your Availability and Rates:Since this is a freelance role, we want to know when you’re available and what your rates are like! Be upfront about your typical work hours and project timelines. This transparency will help us see if we can sync up for future projects at Searchability.

How to prepare for a job interview at Searchability

Showcase Your Code Wizardry

Since you're going for a freelance role in software engineering, have a solid portfolio ready to flaunt your best work. Include projects that highlight your coding skills, frameworks you excel in, and any problem-solving feats you've pulled off. This is your chance to shine, so choose pieces that reflect your unique style and expertise!

Prepare for Technical Challenges

Freelance gigs often involve tech assessments or coding challenges, so be ready to tackle some hands-on problems. Brush up on common algorithms, data structures, and any languages/frameworks relevant to the role at Searchability. Being comfortable with platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode can give you an edge and showcase your skills under pressure!

Be Clear About Your Rates and Flexibility

As a freelancer, be prepared to discuss your rates upfront. It's crucial to communicate your pricing structure clearly and whether you're open to negotiation. Do your homework on industry standards to ensure you pitch a fair and competitive rate that reflects your skills and experience!

Understand Their Tech Stack

Before the interview, get familiar with the tools and technologies used at Searchability. Whether it's a particular framework or a specific coding methodology, being knowledgeable about their tech stack not only shows your interest but also helps you present how you could fit seamlessly into their existing projects. Demonstrating you’ve done your homework can set you apart from other candidates!