Contract Developer — ColdFusion to PHP Migration

We are seeking a Senior Full-Stack Contract Developer for a fully remote, hourly engagement focused on ColdFusion to PHP migration. This role offers a rate of $50–$75 per hour.

COLDFUSION FLUENCY IS REQUIRED ON DAY ONE. This engagement demands immediate expertise in ColdFusion. Candidates must be able to analyze an undocumented CFML codebase from the start. Those with only casual exposure or planning to learn on the job will not be considered.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Dynamic Digital is seeking a senior full-stack contract developer with deep expertise in both ColdFusion and PHP. This role involves leading the migration of a legacy web application to a modern PHP framework.

This is a hands-on technical position. You will analyze and decipher existing ColdFusion codebases, including undocumented logic and legacy patterns, then re-architect this logic into clean, scalable PHP. You will also develop new functional capabilities within the new architecture as the migration progresses.

Dynamic Digital specializes in modernizing outdated technology, building on proven frameworks, and delivering efficient development solutions. We are a small team with short feedback loops, ensuring your work directly impacts real clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Codebase Audit and Deconstruction: Analyze existing ColdFusion (CFML/CFCs) application logic, data flow, background jobs, and business rules.
• Migration Strategy and Execution: Re-architect and rewrite ColdFusion features into modern PHP (Laravel, Symfony, or structured OOP PHP), preserving business rules while eliminating legacy debt.
• Feature Development: Design and build new functional modules and RESTful APIs directly within the new PHP architecture.
• Database and Data Integration: Maintain, refactor, and migrate relational schemas (MySQL, MS SQL, or PostgreSQL), and optimize query performance throughout the transition.
• Dual-Environment Support: Ensure interoperability between ColdFusion and PHP systems (sessions, data, side-by-side execution) during phased rollouts.
• Documentation: Create comprehensive written records detailing the legacy system's functionality and how the new system replaces it.
• Code Review and Accountability: Rigorously review all shipped code, including AI-assisted contributions, for correctness, quality, and security.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of professional development experience, including substantial production ColdFusion.
• ColdFusion Expertise (Non-Negotiable): Extensive production experience with Adobe ColdFusion or Lucee. Ability to read, debug, and translate tag and script syntax, legacy includes (cfinclude), custom tags, components (.cfc), and application lifecycle scopes (Application.cfc / Application.cfm).
• PHP Expertise: Strong command of modern PHP (8.x), object-oriented architecture, design patterns, and current framework standards like Laravel or Symfony.
• Migration Track Record: Proven experience migrating a legacy monolith to a modern framework without disrupting production business logic. Be prepared to discuss a detailed example.
• Front-End Proficiency: Modern JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, and CSS3, with experience in frameworks like Tailwind or Bootstrap.
• Relational Databases: Advanced SQL, query optimization, indexing, and data mapping.
• API Design: Hands-on experience building and consuming RESTful endpoints.
• Version Control: Solid understanding of Git.
• AI-Assisted Development: Comfortable using AI tools, with full accountability for the quality and security of AI-generated code, especially when source logic is undocumented.
• Independent Delivery: Ability to work from a written scope and deliver with minimal oversight, primarily through asynchronous coordination.
• Portfolio/Work Samples: Provide work for review, such as a portfolio, public repositories, or a system you can demonstrate. Formal degree is not required.

PREFERRED

• Lucee specific experience
• Automated testing during migration
• CI/CD pipelines
• Hosting, DNS, and server migration
• WordPress / PHP CMS development
• Scheduled jobs and queue systems

HOW THE ENGAGEMENT WORKS

• Independent Contractor (1099): This is a contract position; you will invoice Dynamic Digital and are not an employee.
• Scope-Based Engagement: Hours and engagement length are defined in a written scope before work commences.
• Hourly Rate: $50–$75 per hour, agreed upon before work begins, based on experience and scope.
• Written Scope: Work is clearly scoped in writing, including phases, deliverables, and milestones.
• Fully Remote: Work from anywhere in the United States. Our team operates on Eastern hours from Willow Grove, PA.
• Autonomy: You control your own schedule, tools, and work methodology.

Dynamic Digital is a web development agency managed by Sahajanand, LLC, located in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. We focus on modernizing technology and building on proven frameworks to help clients grow. We are a small team, offering short feedback loops and direct impact on client projects.

Education: No education required.