Full Stack Engineer

Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer / Automation ArchitectLocation: Fairport / Rochester, NY (Must reside within 20 miles of Fairport, NY)Engagement Type: Independent ContractorPay Rate: $40–$65 per hourWork Arrangement: Contract with occasional in-person meetingsEngagement Duration: Initial paid technical audit, with potential for ongoing supportPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer / Automation Architect to take ownership of an existing, fully developed business automation and outreach platform.This is not a greenfield development project. The platform is already built, and the primary responsibility is to evaluate its existing architecture, identify technical and performance issues, improve system reliability, optimize automated data collection and API integrations, andtroubleshoot cold-email deliverability.The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert who can independently take over a complex codebase developed by others, diagnose problems, implement practical solutions, and provide ongoing technical oversight and maintenance.Key ResponsibilitiesCodebase & Architecture Audit: Review the existing application, assess its architecture, identify technical debt, and recommend improvements.Performance Optimization: Diagnose bottlenecks, troubleshoot system failures, and improve application performance, stability, and reliability.Full-Stack Engineering: Maintain and improve existing Python, React, and Next.js applications.Automation & Data Pipelines: Audit and optimize web scraping, browser automation, automated data collection, and data processing workflows.API Integrations: Troubleshoot and improve integrations with Apollo, Apify, Instantly, OpenAI, and other third-party services.Database Management: Evaluate and optimize Supabase/PostgreSQL databases, queries, data integrity, and pipeline performance.Email Deliverability: Investigate low email delivery volumes, spam placement, inbox rotation, and cold-email infrastructure issues.Email Authentication & Reputation: Diagnose SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations, domain reputation, and other factors affecting deliverability.Cloud Infrastructure: Maintain and troubleshoot deployments and infrastructure across DigitalOcean, Vercel, and GitHub-based workflows.Ongoing Technical Support: Implement corrective actions, document findings, monitor system performance, and provide ongoing maintenance as needed.Required QualificationsStrong experience in full-stack software development using Python, React, and Next.js.Hands-on experience with web scraping, Playwright, and browser automation.Experience designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining API integrations and automated data pipelines.Working knowledge of Supabase, PostgreSQL, database optimization, and data management.Experience with cloud deployment and development tools, including DigitalOcean, Vercel, and GitHub.Practical experience diagnosing cold-email deliverability issues and improving inbox placement.Understanding of SPF, DKIM, DMARC, domain reputation, inbox rotation, and email authentication.Proven ability to take over, audit, troubleshoot, and maintain software systems originally developed by other engineers.Ability to work independently, identify root causes, and implement solutions without extensive supervision.Immediate PrioritiesDuring the initial engagement, the contractor will be expected to:Conduct a technical audit of the existing codebase and system architecture.Identify the root causes of performance, reliability, and automation issues.Investigate why the outreach system is sending significantly fewer emails than expected.Diagnose spam placement and email deliverability problems.Evaluate the efficiency and reliability of existing web scraping, data pipelines, and API integrations.Provide actionable recommendations and implement agreed-upon fixes.Deliver a clear audit summary outlining findings, corrective actions, and recommended next steps.Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is a senior-level engineer and technical problem-solver who has successfully inherited complex applications built by other developers. They should be comfortable investigating unfamiliar codebases, troubleshooting interconnected systems, and addressing both software engineering and email infrastructure challenges.Candidates with demonstrable experience supporting automated outreach platforms and resolving real-world email deliverability problems will be strongly preferred.