Full-Time Contract WordPress Developer for React-Based Plugin

We are looking for a full-time contract WordPress developer to help maintain, improve, and expand a custom React-based WordPress plugin. This is an ongoing role for someone comfortable working across modern WordPress development, React, REST APIs, and plugin architecture. The ideal candidate can take ownership quickly, debug issues independently, and write clean, maintainable code. Important Project Context We are currently in the middle of a large active development project. Our previous developer unexpectedly became unavailable, so we need someone who can step in quickly and help us keep momentum. The first couple of weeks may be an intense sprint. You should be prepared to review an existing codebase, understand the current architecture, identify what needs to be completed, and start contributing quickly. We will provide as much context and direction as possible, but this role is best suited for someone comfortable jumping into an in-progress project and getting productive without a long onboarding period. Please do not apply if you need extensive hand-holding or are only available for light part-time work. We need someone reliable, responsive, and ready to hit the ground running. About the Project We have an existing custom WordPress plugin built with a React-based interface. The plugin integrates with WordPress and supports custom workflows inside the admin and/or front-end experience. We are looking for a developer who can continue building new functionality, improve the user experience, fix bugs, and help harden the plugin for long-term use. Responsibilities You will be responsible for: Reviewing and understanding an existing WordPress plugin codebase Developing new features for a custom React-based WordPress plugin Working with React components inside the WordPress environment Building and maintaining WordPress REST API endpoints Debugging plugin conflicts, JavaScript issues, PHP errors, and performance problems Improving plugin architecture, code quality, and maintainability Working with custom post types, taxonomies, user roles, metadata, and WordPress hooks Integrating with third-party APIs when needed Collaborating with our internal team on priorities, timelines, and technical decisions Providing clear, regular updates during the initial sprint and ongoing work Documenting changes clearly Required Skills Please only apply if you have strong experience with: WordPress plugin development PHP and modern WordPress coding standards React and modern JavaScript WordPress REST API Gutenberg/block editor concepts or React inside WordPress admin Custom post types, taxonomies, user meta, and options APIs Git-based development workflow Debugging WordPress, PHP, JavaScript, and API issues Taking over existing codebases Working under tight timelines when needed Writing clean, scalable, maintainable code Nice to Have Experience with any of the following is a plus: WooCommerce BuddyBoss or FluentCommunity Advanced Custom Fields Elementor WP-CLI Composer API integrations Performance optimization SaaS-style WordPress plugins AI or automation-based features Who We’re Looking For We want someone who is reliable, detail-oriented, and able to work independently. You should be comfortable reviewing an existing codebase, understanding how it works, and improving it without needing every step spelled out. This is not a simple theme customization role. We need a real plugin developer who understands both the WordPress backend and modern React-based interfaces. The right person will be able to jump into an active project, ask smart questions, communicate clearly, and start solving problems quickly. Engagement Details Type: Full-time contract Platform: Upwork Availability: 30–40 hours per week preferred Duration: Ongoing, long-term potential Initial phase: Fast-paced sprint for the first couple of weeks Communication: Regular updates required Start: As soon as possible To Apply Please include: Examples of custom WordPress plugins you have built or maintained Examples of React work inside WordPress, if available Your experience with WordPress REST API development Your hourly rate and weekly availability A brief description of how you approach taking over an existing plugin codebase Confirmation that you are available for a potentially intense first couple of weeks while we stabilize the current project Applications that include relevant plugin examples and clearly address the immediate sprint need will be prioritized.