Backend Dev Needed to Build a Web Platform – Long-term Role

Job Description: I'm looking for a backend developer to help me bring a web platform to life. I've got the designs ready (Figma), and I handle the frontend side, but I need someone solid on the server side to build the API, database, and all the behind-the-scenes logic. What you'll actually be doing: Building out the API (REST or GraphQL – open to your suggestion) Designing the database structure (I'll trust your judgment on SQL vs NoSQL) Setting up user login, roles, and permissions Creating an admin panel so we can manage content without touching the code Connecting payment gateways (Stripe/PayPal) and file uploads (S3 or similar) Documenting the endpoints so my frontend guy knows what to call Tech stack I'm leaning toward: I'm flexible, but I'd prefer someone comfortable with either: Python + Django/Flask, or Node.js + Express/NestJS For the database, I've used PostgreSQL in the past and liked it, but if you think MongoDB is a better fit for this use case, I'm all ears. Just be ready to explain why. Also, experience with AWS (or similar) and Docker would be a huge plus since I'll need help with deployment and basic CI/CD setup. A bit about me: I'm not a technical founder, but I know enough to be dangerous. I've worked with devs before, so I won't micromanage or waste your time. I just want clear communication and someone who takes ownership of their work. A few quick questions before you apply: I get a lot of generic proposals, so I'd really appreciate it if you could answer these to help me filter: What's the worst bug you've ever caused in production, and how did you fix it? (I promise I won't judge – we've all been there.) If you had to choose between a SQL and NoSQL database for a project, what makes you pick one over the other? Walk me through how you'd handle user authentication in your preferred framework – just a high-level overview, nothing too crazy. In your proposal, please include: A couple of sentences about why this project caught your eye (not just "I'm interested") Links to 2–3 projects you've built from scratch, or GitHub repos I can browse What your typical weekly availability looks like and your timezone Looking forward to reading your proposals. If I like what I see, I'll reach out within 48 hours for a quick chat.