Chatbot Developer (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord) - Freelance

About the role

Mindrift is looking for skilled Bot Developers to join the Tendem project. This is a freelance role for a Tendem project. You will design, build, and refine messaging bots for one or more messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Build bots for one or more messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp (Business API / Cloud API), Telegram (Bot API), Discord, Slack and similar messaging platforms
• Design and implement conversational flows, dialogue state, and fallback handling
• Integrate bots with LLMs (OpenAI, Anthropic, or similar) for natural language responses where appropriate
• Connect bots to backend services, databases, CRMs, and third-party APIs (booking systems, payment, content sources)
• Handle webhooks, rate limits, and platform-specific message formats (interactive messages, buttons, media, templates)
• Evaluate AI-generated bot code and refactor it for correctness, reliability, and graceful error handling
• Implement logging, monitoring, and recovery so bots stay healthy in production

Requirements

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in backend, integration, automation, or bot development
• Strong foundation in bot development, messaging platform integrations, and building reliable conversational workflows
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience building bots for at least one major messaging platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, or similar)
• Strong command of Python or Node.js for backend bot logic
• Solid experience with REST APIs, webhooks, OAuth, and async request handling
• Familiarity with relational or NoSQL databases for storing conversation state and user data
• Familiarity with LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic) and prompt design for conversational use is a strong plus
• Understanding of platform-specific limits, message templates, and approval flows (e.g., WhatsApp template messages)
• Experience with hosting and deployment (Docker, serverless, VPS, or PaaS)

Benefits

• English proficiency: Upper-intermediate (B2) or above
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to bot reliability — no silent failures, no broken flows
• Self-directed work ethic with the ability to design and ship complete bots independently
• Portfolio or examples of bots you've built (required)

Project time expectations

Tasks are estimated to require around 10-20 hours per week during active phases, based on project requirements. This is an estimate, not a guaranteed workload, and applies only while the project is active.

Compensation

Contributors can earn up to $60 per hour equivalent, depending on their level and pace of contribution. Compensation varies across projects depending on scope, complexity, and required expertise.