Senior Backend Consultant for Next.js & WordPress Platform

I am in need of a seasoned backend expert for my prelaunch project, a Next.js + Headless WordPress platform. This consultant role involves architecting and designing the backend structure, optimizing the performance and security, as well as mentoring junior developers and enforcing industry best practices. The consultant will take full ownership of the backend design from architecture to deployment. Our team will do UI (Figma) Designs.

Key Responsibilities:
- Architecting and designing the backend structure
- Optimizing backend performance and security
- Mentoring junior developers and instilling best practices
- Extensive work with Node.js, WordPress, Payment Gateway and Security

Core Competencies:
- In-depth experience with WordPress customization and plugin development
- Expertise in Payment gateway integration and security
- Mastery of Node.js integration and API routes

Ideal Skills:
- Extensive experience with PHP & MySQL
- Deep knowledge of Node.js and its API routes and middleware
- Proficiency in WooCommerce & LearnDash data structures
- Advanced understanding of REST API & GraphQL
- Familiarity with caching strategies (Redis, CDN, Varnish)
- Knowledge of security best practices (OAuth, JWT, API rate limiting)
- Experience with serverless functions (Vercel, AWS Lambda)
- Bonus: Proficiency in Java (Spring Boot) for complex backend processing

The consultant will need to focus on:
- Customizing WordPress and developing plugins
- Securely integrating payment gateways
- Setting up and optimizing a Headless WordPress

Your expertise will be invaluable in ensuring the success of this project.