Backend Developer - Node.js | Kubernetes | Public Sector | £600/day Inside IR35

Location: Newcastle (1-2 days onsite per week for first 2 months, then 1 day per month thereafter)
Duration: 6 months
Day Rate: £600 Inside IR35
Clearance: Active SC Clearance Required
Experience: Public Sector experience mandatory

Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Backend Developer with strong Node.js expertise to work within a Government Digital Service (GDS)/DDaT aligned environment. You will contribute to the design, build, and optimisation of scalable APIs and microservices, following user-centred, secure-by-design principles and modern agile delivery practices.

The role will involve working within multi-disciplinary teams across the public sector, implementing CI/CD pipelines, contributing to open standards, and ensuring delivery of secure, reliable services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable Back End services and APIs in Node.js.

• Contribute to continuous integration and delivery using GitLab CI/GitHub Actions.

• Work in alignment with GDS Service Standard and DDaT capability frameworks.

• Implement automated testing and ensure code quality across delivery teams.

• Collaborate with DevOps, Architects, and Product Managers to ensure secure, performant solutions.

• Support migration and integration projects across public sector systems.

• Write clear documentation and support knowledge transfer.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong hands-on experience with Node.js Back End development.

• Expertise in CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or equivalent).

• Proven public sector/GDS DDaT experience (delivery to GDS Service Standard, user-centred design).

• Experience with API development, REST/GraphQL, and microservice design.

• Knowledge of automated testing frameworks (Mocha, Jest, Supertest).

• Familiarity with containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes desirable).

• Experience with secure coding practices and handling sensitive data.

• Strong Git experience (GitLab, GitHub, branching strategies, peer reviews).

• Familiarity with serverless (AWS Lambda, API Gateway) or cloud-native architectures.

• Knowledge of logging, monitoring, and observability (ELK, Grafana, CloudWatch).

• Understanding of GDS Technology Code of Practice and DDaT capability framework.