Junior Full Stack Engineer (Backend-Focused – Node.js)

Job Title Junior Full Stack Engineer (Backend-Focused – Node.js) Company AX-ai Limited Location Gateshead Employment Type Full-time Salary £30,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on experience About AX-ai AX-ai is a professional technology and AI consultancy that helps organisations rethink how their systems, processes, and software are designed and built. We work with ambitious businesses to modernise legacy systems, design scalable digital platforms, and apply AI in practical, commercially valuable ways. Our focus is not hype or experimentation for its own sake. We build real software that solves real business problems, using modern engineering principles and applied AI. The Role We are looking for a Junior Full Stack Engineer to support the development of modern web-based software and internal systems. This is not a traditional junior role within a large development team. You will work directly with the Head of Engineering and closely with AX-ai’s Senior Management Team. You’ll be supported as you develop your technical skills while contributing to real production systems from an early stage. This role is ideal for someone early in their career who is curious, motivated, and keen to build experience working on real production systems across backend, frontend, and integrations. You’ll spend most of your time working on backend logic, APIs, and debugging — not just building UI. This role focuses on improving and maintaining existing systems rather than building new systems from scratch. Key Responsibilities * Fix bugs and edge cases across APIs, forms, and integrations * Make small backend changes (validation, API responses, data handling) * Update and improve frontend flows and admin tools * Work with third-party APIs (CRM, messaging, tracking) to troubleshoot issues * Help maintain and improve existing backend and data flows * Debug issues across frontend, backend, and database layers * Write and update tests for backend logic * Gradually take on more responsibility as your skills develop * Use tools and automation to support development and workflows Required Skills and Experience * Experience building or modifying backend functionality using Node.js (e.g. APIs, validation, data handling) * Basic understanding of databases and APIs through real project work * Ability to debug issues across frontend and backend * Experience building or modifying real projects outside of tutorials * Familiarity with Git and version control workflows * Comfortable working in an existing, evolving codebase * Willingness to learn quickly and take feedback Desirable (Nice to Have) * Experience with React / Next.js * Familiarity with SQL or ORMs (e.g. Prisma) * Exposure to third-party APIs or integrations * Experience using tools like ChatGPT Codex or Claude Code to support development What We Offer * Access to senior leadership and real decision-making from day one * Hands-on experience building and improving production software, integrations, and internal systems * Mentorship and guidance within a small, high-impact team * Flexible working environment * Clear progression path as AX-ai and the technical function scale How to Apply Please submit your CV along with a short cover note outlining your interest in software development and any relevant projects or experience. Please also include: * a short description of a project you’ve worked on * what you personally built * any backend/API work you were involved in * links to GitHub or live projects, where available Applications without examples of real work may not be considered. Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year Benefits: * Casual dress * Company pension * Free parking * On-site parking Work Location: Hybrid remote in Gateshead NE11 9SY