FileMaker Developer — Contract
Part-time, fully remote (US-based), 10–20 hours per week. Build thoughtful Claris solutions alongside a Certified Claris Partner — including responsible-AI features for clients who care about getting it right.
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A contract role for a developer who likes doing it right.
Violet Beacon is a small, focused consultancy. We help organizations adopt AI responsibly, and we build and modernize Claris FileMaker systems for clients who rely on them every day. We're looking for a part-time contract developer to take on Claris work — custom development, system optimization, and increasingly, AI integration.
This is a great fit if you've been doing FileMaker for a few years, enjoy working through someone else's schema rather than starting fresh every time, and want exposure to the AI side of Claris without having to figure it all out on your own.
The work itself
- Build and maintain custom Claris FileMaker solutions for client systems — new layouts, scripts, custom functions, and schema work.
- Modernize and optimize existing FileMaker files: cleaning up technical debt, tightening performance, updating security and access privileges.
- Integrate REST APIs and webhooks so FileMaker talks cleanly to the other tools clients use.
- Troubleshoot performance issues and help harden FileMaker Server deployments.
- Document what you build — scripts, schema, and decisions — so the next person (including future-you) isn't guessing.
- Occasionally join client calls for scoping or demos when it helps the work.
Skills and experience
Required
- 2–5 years of professional FileMaker / Claris Pro experience — comfortable across scripting, calculations, layouts, custom functions, and relationships.
- Hands-on experience with FileMaker Server and the FileMaker Data API.
- US-based and able to work as a 1099 contractor.
Nice to have
- Claris certification (Pro developer, Server admin, Connect, or AI Fundamentals).
- REST API and webhook integration experience — JSON, OAuth, and third-party services like Stripe or QuickBooks.
- AI / LLM API integration experience (Claude, OpenAI) inside or alongside FileMaker.
- FileMaker Server hardening, encryption, and performance tuning.
- Experience working as an external contractor with structured handoff and documentation practices.
The non-technical stuff that matters
- Self-directed. You can take a scoped piece of work and run with it asynchronously. You manage your own schedule.
- Reliable. You respond to messages within about 24 hours on weekdays, even if just to acknowledge.
- Clear in writing. You document scripts, decisions, and trade-offs so the work is hand-off-ready by default.
- Curious about AI — and skeptical in a useful way. You're interested in what AI can do inside Claris, and you're equally interested in doing it responsibly.
Why this role is worth your time
Flexible schedule
You set your hours within the 10–20/week range. We care about clear communication and good work, not when you log in.
AI-forward Claris projects
Real exposure to Claude and OpenAI API integration, GetTextFromPDF, image recognition, and AI Account scripts — the kind of work that's still rare in the FileMaker world.
Mentorship and collaboration
You'll work directly with Kate — Certified Claris Partner, ISO 42001 Lead Implementer, 20+ years of custom software experience. Real review, real conversations, not just tickets.
Learn responsible-AI methods firsthand
We work to ISO 42001 and NIST AI RMF principles. You'll pick up frameworks and habits for shipping AI features that hold up under scrutiny.
A small team, with intent
We build software the way we'd want it built for ourselves: thoughtfully, well-documented, and with the assumption that someone else will have to maintain it later. We don't ship to hit a Friday deadline — we ship when it's right. If that sounds like the kind of environment you'd thrive in, you'll fit in here.
Read more about our approach: How we work · Our Responsible AI principles.
Logistics
- Contractor (1099), US-based only.
- 10–20 hours per week, ongoing. Room to grow with mutual fit.
- Fully remote. No commute, no co-located office.
- Compensation: negotiable based on experience.
- Onboarding: we start with a small, paid trial project so both sides can confirm fit before committing further.
- Client contact: some direct contact (scoping calls, demos) when it helps the work.
Things candidates usually ask
No. Certification is a plus, but strong portfolio work matters more. If you have the scripting depth and the server experience, we want to hear from you.
Flexible. You set your hours. A few hours of overlap with US business hours each week makes coordination easier, but we don't keep a fixed schedule.
Starts at 10–20 hours per week, ongoing. Hours can grow with client demand and mutual fit — many of our contract relationships scale up over time.
Short intro call, then a 30-minute technical discussion, then a small, paid trial project on a well-scoped piece of real work. We aim to move quickly and respect your time.
Who should apply
Violet Beacon is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. If the role looks like a fit and you're not sure whether you check every box — apply anyway. We'd rather have the conversation.
Ready to apply?
It takes about 5 minutes. Tell us about your FileMaker background, share your portfolio or LinkedIn, and (optionally) attach a resume. We read every application.