Web Developer @ THE NEXT RACE STUDIO

ABOUT THE NEXT RACE STUDIO (TNRS)
The Next Race Studio empowers culturally resonant brands to unlock their full potential. We blend strategy, design, and technology to build systems that translate into measurable performance.

We’re hiring a SENIOR SHOPIFY DEVELOPER (CONTRACTOR) to support a portfolio of DTC brands. This role is for a highly technical builder: someone who writes clean, scalable code, protects site reliability, and ships quickly without regressions. You don’t need to be “design forward,” but you must have an exceptional eye for detail and the discipline to match Figma precisely.

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THE ROLE
You’ll own Shopify theme development and implementation for active client workstreams. Projects range from new section development and template builds to performance work, refactors, complex debugging, and shipping improvements across multiple brands.

This role is best suited for someone who:

* Is technically rigorous and structured in how they build
* Is exceptionally detail-oriented (fidelity, states, edge cases)
* Works well in fast feedback loops and keeps projects unblocked
* Can manage parallel requests without losing control of scope, quality, or timelines

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PLATFORM + STACK (EXPERT LEVEL REQUIRED)

* Shopify (Online Store 2.0 themes)
* Liquid, JSON templates, section architecture, schema/settings, metafields/metaobjects
* JavaScript, HTML, CSS (responsive, accessible patterns)
* Git-based workflow (branching, PR discipline, clean releases)
* Deep familiarity with Shopify apps, app/theme conflicts, script management, and minimizing bloat

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COLLABORATION + COVERAGE EXPECTATIONS
We move quickly when projects are in motion. This role requires a developer who can provide high-availability coverage during active build cycles and be a reliable point person when something needs attention fast.

* Consistent overlap with ET working hours
* Rapid response on active threads and build blockers
* Comfortable jumping into time-sensitive debugging (launches, broken templates, checkout-adjacent issues)

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RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Shopify Engineering (Architecture + Implementation)

* Build and maintain Shopify 2.0 sections/blocks with clean, scalable architecture
* Implement templates and page systems (home, PDP, PLP, landing pages, cart enhancements where applicable)
* Use metafields/metaobjects to keep content structured, editable, and scalable
* Establish repeatable component patterns that keep themes maintainable over time

2. Fidelity + QA (Obsessive Detail)

* Implement designs with extremely high fidelity across breakpoints and browsers
* Handle component states, content extremes, and edge cases gracefully
* QA thoroughly across desktop/mobile and major browsers prior to handoff
* Maintain theme hygiene: naming conventions, settings structure, documentation where needed

3. Performance + Reliability

* Optimize for performance (Core Web Vitals, asset loading behavior, reducing JS/CSS bloat)
* Debug complex issues (rendering quirks, app conflicts, race conditions, inconsistent device behavior)
* Ship changes with a clear method to prevent regressions and maintain stability

4. Collaboration + Process

* Work closely with TNRS designers and strategists to clarify intent, constraints, and implementation details
* Provide accurate estimates and sequencing recommendations
* Communicate proactively to keep workstreams moving and unblock decisions

REQUIREMENTS (NON-NEGOTIABLES)

5+ years professional development experience with significant Shopify theme work

Expert-level Shopify 2.0 theme engineering: sections/blocks, Liquid, JSON templates, schema/settings architecture

Expert front-end fundamentals: semantic HTML, responsive CSS, performant JavaScript

Expert Git workflow: branches/PRs, clean commits, disciplined release practices

Expert QA discipline: cross-device, cross-browser, edge cases, regression prevention

Ability to manage multiple workstreams in parallel while staying organized

Clear, direct communication and reliable coverage during active build cycles

WHITE-LABEL + NDA REQUIREMENTS
This engagement is governed by NDA and white-label terms:

Work is delivered on behalf of TNRS

No public attribution, portfolio use, or case studies without written approval

No direct client communication unless explicitly requested/approved by TNRS

No subcontracting without written approval

If you’re a studio, disclose who is hands-on and how QA is handled


HOW TO APPLY (REQUIRED)
Please include:

Your setup

Individual developer or studio

If studio: who is hands-on and how code review + QA are handled

Shopify proof (required)
Share 2–3 examples of Shopify work and specify what you did:

Theme architecture (sections/blocks/templates/settings structure)

Complex debugging examples

Performance improvements (what you changed and why)

Technical depth (required)
Answer briefly:

How do you structure a Shopify theme to remain scalable as sections grow?

What is your release process to prevent regressions while shipping quickly?

What is your QA checklist before you consider a build “done”?

Availability (required)

Time zone + typical working windows

Confirm you can provide high-availability coverage during active build cycles and respond quickly to time-sensitive issues