Toptal: Full Stack Developer

Job Description

Summary:
Seeking a Senior Full Stack Developer to lead the development of a smart home integration platform that bridges lighting control systems with motorized shading solutions. This role involves building real-time, secure, and user-friendly applications on embedded gateway devices using modern full stack technologies.

General information:
This role supports a high-end residential automation team focused on delivering seamless, premium user experiences. The project centers on integrating motorized shading systems with lighting control keypads, enabling unified operation through proprietary IoT protocols. The system runs on embedded Linux-based gateways, with a TypeScript/Node.js backend and a lightweight web UI using Preact. Key goals include real-time state monitoring, secure device pairing, robust API development, and intuitive configuration interfaces. The project is in active development with access to physical test hardware and a flexible, collaborative work setup.

Task and deliverables:

• Develop and maintain backend services for device discovery, communication, and control
• Build web-based UI for device configuration, programming, and live updates
• Implement WebSocket-based real-time communication across systems
• Design and maintain RESTful APIs for device management and scene execution
• Manage certificate-based authentication and secure device pairing workflows
• Build error logging, monitoring, and recovery tools for production deployments
• Write unit and integration tests to ensure code stability and maintainability
• Create and maintain internal technical documentation and API references

Engagement highlights:

• Hands-on role in shaping next-gen smart home experiences
• Access to advanced test environments and real-world IoT hardware
• Talents who can visit the office 1-2 days per week are preferred.

Required:

• 5+ years professional experience in software development
• 3+ years working with TypeScript/JavaScript in production environments
• 2+ years backend experience with Node.js and Express.js
• Experience building full-stack applications using React or Preact
• Proficient in RESTful API design, asynchronous programming, and debugging
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP, TLS, mDNS)
• Experience with WebSockets and device discovery protocols
• Comfortable working with proprietary or undocumented APIs/protocols
• Strong communication and documentation skills

Nice to have:

• Experience with IoT device integration or smart home systems
• Background in embedded or gateway systems development
• Familiarity with Python scripting for tooling and automation
• Understanding of state management in distributed systems
• Exposure to residential networking setups and challenges