Job Description

Senior Interactive Experience Developer / Creative Coder

Location: Portland, OR (preferred for direct hardware access)

Engagement Type: Contract, project-based

Overview

Downstream is seeking contract-based developers who thrive on solving complex challenges with elegant code. As part of our project teams, youll collaborate with UX strategists, designers, and developers to bring extraordinary digital experiences to life in corporate boardrooms, university campuses, sports arenas, and cultural institutions worldwide.

This is not a full-time employment position. Engagements will be structured around specific projects, with timelines, deliverables, and compensation defined per contract.

Role & Responsibilities

As a contract developer, you may be engaged for one or more of the following:

• Lead front-end development on client projects with defined scopes.
• Prototype and implement interactive experiences using creative coding frameworks.
• Explore emerging frameworks and push the boundaries of digital/physical interactivity.
• Contribute to coding best practices and clear technical documentation.
• Support project teams through stand-ups, reviews, and agency toolsets (Atlassian, GitHub, MS Teams, etc.).
• Participate in client installations and support, as needed per project scope.

What You Bring

• Strong foundation in creative coding (C++ frameworks such as Cinder, OpenFrameworks).
• Experience with Qt/QML and browser-based development.
• Graphics programming skills (OpenGL/GLSL, Vulkan, or DirectX).
• Familiarity with Git/GitHub workflows.
• Ability to rapidly prototype and optimize production-ready code.
• Experience with natural user interaction systems (touch, motion, sensors).
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and clients.
• Flexibility for travel when projects require on-site installation.
• Bonus: Experience with interactive hardware, immersive technologies, or sensors.

Why Contract with Us

• Creative Playground Access to cutting-edge tools, sensors, and large-format interactive walls.
• Global Reach Your contributions may be seen in high-profile projects worldwide.
• Flexibility Engagements are scoped per project, not tied to full-time hours.
• Collaboration Work alongside a diverse, tight-knit team of technologists, designers, and storytellers.
• Impact See your creations installed in real-world environments.

Engagement Details

• Type: Contract (project-based, not employment)
• Timeline: Defined per project (scope TBD)
• Compensation: Negotiated per project/engagement
• Travel: May be required depending on project needs

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