Backend Developer (Node.js + Express + MongoDB) — Fixed $550 Project

We're a bootstrapped SaaS product with paying customers. We need a backend developer to build and deliver a clean, production-ready REST API. Frontend is React and already handled — you own the backend only. Scope of work Build REST API endpoints with Node.js + Express Design and implement MongoDB schemas (Mongoose) JWT authentication + role-based access control File upload handling and third-party API integration Input validation, error handling, and basic rate limiting Deploy to our environment (Vercel / Railway / VPS) and hand over docs Requirements 3+ years hands-on Node.js/Express in production Strong MongoDB data modeling (not just CRUD tutorials) Clean, documented, testable code — we will review it Git workflow, clear commit history Daily async updates in English, overlap with CET hours preferred Nice to have TypeScript Docker CI/CD experience Budget & timeline Fixed price: $500 USD Timeline: 2 weeks Milestone 1 ($150): schema design + auth complete Milestone 2 ($200): core endpoints delivered and tested Milestone 3 ($150): deployment, docs, handover To apply, answer these 3 questions Link one Node.js/Express repo or API you built what was the hardest part? How would you structure MongoDB collections for a users → orders → items relationship? What's your approach to securing a JWT-based API? Applications without answers to all three will be ignored. Start with the word "BACKEND" so we know you read this.