Platform Engineer

For our client, we're looking for a Freelance Senior Platform Engineer to build and operate an internal developer portal powered by Backstage. You’ll own end-to-end delivery (TypeScript/React/Node), integrate our in-house LLM, and help ensure the portal stays intuitive, performant, and secure. Responsibilities - Design, build, and evolve Backstage extensions (frontend and backend services) that streamline internal workflows. - Adapt the portal’s core experience: frontend customization, backend APIs, authentication/authorization, and permissions. - Embed our internal LLM capabilities into the portal with enterprise-grade controls (access, auditing, safety). - Drive usability, performance, and security improvements across the portal. - Own the operational side: upgrades, dependency management, and compatibility with new Backstage releases. - Set up and improve deployment automation and release processes for the portal and its plugins. - Integrate with internal systems: CI/CD, Git repositories, Azure infrastructure, service metadata/catalogs, and observability stacks. - Automate onboarding workflows and service registration. Must have: - Strong hands-on skills in TypeScript, React, and Node.js - Hands-on experience with Backstage (or a similar extensible developer portal / plugin-based platform). - Experience building API integrations and shipping custom plugins/services. - Practical experience with Kubernetes and Docker. - Familiarity with Azure environments and services. - Solid understanding of CI/CD, GitOps, and modern DevOps operating models. - Clear communication and the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders. - very good English language skills (German nice to have) Nice to have: - Backstage Scaffolder, Software Catalog, Permissions framework experience. - Observability experience (e.g., Prometheus/Grafana, OpenTelemetry, Azure Monitor). - IaC and GitOps/deployment tooling (e.g., Terraform/Bicep, Helm, Argo CD/Flux). - Experience integrating LLMs in enterprise settings (RBAC, audit logs, safety considerations). Location: Berlin or Brussels hybrid working model is preferred: 1-3 days onsite/week full-time ~ 3 months start ASAP