[Hiring] Full Stack Developer @Signal49 Research

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced and self-directed Full Stack Developer for a 6-month contract engagement to design, build, and maintain interactive Business Intelligence dashboards and data reporting tools. The successful candidate will work closely with internal clients and data teams to translate functional requirements into polished, database-driven web applications deployed on a Linux server environment.

A distinguishing aspect of this role is the expectation that the developer will leverage AI-assisted code generation — specifically Anthropic’s Claude — as a core part of their workflow, combined with the judgment and expertise to review, test, and refine AI-generated output to production standards.

About the Role

• Dashboard & Reporting Development
  • Design and build interactive, database-driven web dashboards and reporting pages using PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS, and TypeScript (including JavaScript).
  • Integrate data visualization libraries (e.g., Chart.js) to render timelines, bar charts, rankings, and other analytical views.
  • Write optimized SQL queries involving multi-table JOINs, embedded queries, aggregations, GROUP BY, and filtered result sets.
  • Develop reusable PHP components and include files (e.g., database connection helpers, shared layouts).
  • Ensure all output is properly sanitized and escaped to prevent XSS and SQL injection vulnerabilities.
• AI-Assisted Development
  • Use Claude (Anthropic) to generate PHP, SQL, TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS code from detailed technical specifications.
  • Write precise, well-structured AI prompts that outline detailed technical specifications and requirements, to produce accurate and complete code with minimal iteration.
  • Critically review all AI-generated code for correctness, security, performance, and adherence to project standards.
  • Test generated code in the live server environment, identify discrepancies, and apply targeted corrections.
  • Integrate functional and code components produced in different iterations.
  • Maintain a disciplined human-in-the-loop workflow, using AI as a productivity accelerator rather than a substitute for sound engineering judgment.
• Client Communication & Requirements
  • Meet with internal clients to gather, clarify, and document functional requirements for new dashboards and reporting features.
  • Propose technical approaches and explain trade-offs in plain language accessible to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proactively flag limitations, constraints, or risks and present well-reasoned alternative solutions.
  • Provide progress updates and demos at regular intervals throughout the contract.
• Server & Deployment
  • Deploy and manage PHP web applications on Ubuntu Linux servers with Nginx or Apache.
  • Configure virtual hosts, manage file permissions, and troubleshoot server-side issues.
  • Coordinate with the infrastructure team on environment setup, access, and security policies.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience as a full-stack developer.
• Demonstrated experience using Claude (Anthropic) or comparable large language models to generate production-quality code.
• Strong prompt engineering skills: ability to write clear, detailed, technically precise prompts that include context, constraints, input/output specifications, and examples.
• Proven ability to proofread, test, and iteratively refine AI-generated code to meet production standards.
• Comfortable identifying and correcting subtle logic errors, security oversights, and stylistic inconsistencies in generated code.

Requirements

• Backend Development
  • PHP — intermediate to senior level; server-side scripting, form handling, include/require patterns, output escaping.
  • MySQL — strong SQL skills including multi-table JOINs, subqueries, aggregation functions, GROUP BY, ORDER BY, LIMIT, and query optimization.
  • MySQLi extension — connection lifecycle, parameterized queries, result set iteration.
  • Understanding of web application security fundamentals: SQL injection prevention, XSS mitigation, input validation.
• Frontend Development
  • HTML5 & CSS3 — intermediate level; semantic markup, Flexbox/Grid layout, CSS variables, transitions, and responsive design.
  • JavaScript (ES6+ and TypeScript) — intermediate to senior level; DOM manipulation, event handling, dynamic rendering, fetch/async patterns. Experience with Node.JS.
  • Experience integrating and configuring Chart.js or similar data visualization libraries.
  • Ability to build custom UI components (e.g., autocomplete widgets, data tables) without relying on heavy frameworks.
  • Comfortable working entirely within a Linux (Ubuntu preferred) environment via command line.
  • Experience deploying PHP applications on Nginx or Apache web servers.
  • Familiarity with file permissions, virtual host configuration, and basic server troubleshooting.
  • Ability to use standard Linux tools: SSH, `nano`/`vim`, `tail`, `grep`, `chmod`, `systemctl`, etc.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Ability to discuss technical solutions with non-technical clients clearly and without jargon.
  • Experience gathering requirements, proposing approaches, and managing expectations within a project context.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with labour market data, job posting datasets, or workforce analytics platforms.
• Familiarity with Canadian labour market terminology and provincial/territorial data structures.
• Experience with version control using Git, preferably GitLab.
• Knowledge of additional PHP frameworks (Laravel, Slim) or templating engines.
• Experience with React.JS.
• Experience working in agile or sprint-based delivery environments.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset but not required.

Benefits

• Virtual First – work from home anywhere across Canada.
• A workplace where your hard work is not just valued, but actively celebrated through our Recognition programs.
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) to support you and your family during difficult times.
• Work/Life Balance with the option of compressed workweeks and Friday afternoon closures.
• A modern, defined benefit (DB) pension plan with a 5% match eligibility from Day One.