What does an AEM developer do?
An AEM developer builds custom components and backend logic for the Adobe Experience Manager platform. This role focuses on extending the content management system by writing Java code and HTML Template Language scripts that power dynamic web pages. The developer packages these technical assets into deployable bundles and manages their release through automated cloud pipelines. This work connects raw data from the repository to the visual elements that authors use to build sites.
- Authors custom AEM components using HTL scripting to define how content renders on a page. This process involves creating resource types that map directly to authoring dialogs, allowing content editors to input and modify data through intuitive interfaces. The developer ensures these templates pull the correct information from the repository and display it according to design specifications without breaking the layout.
- Implements backend component logic with Sling Models to process data before it reaches the view layer. This requires writing Java classes that adapt repository resources into usable objects, handling complex business rules or data transformations server-side. By separating this logic from the template, the developer keeps the front-end code clean and ensures that performance remains high even when processing large datasets or multiple content references.
- Configures and deploys code as OSGi bundles through AEM Cloud Manager CI/CD pipelines. The developer structures the project using Maven archetypes to produce artifacts that the cloud environment can accept and install. This includes setting up quality gates and pipeline configurations to automate the movement of code from development to staging and production, ensuring that every update follows strict deployment standards and maintains system stability.
How to hire an AEM developer on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Define your Adobe Experience Manager requirements clearly to attract qualified candidates. Use the Job Post Generator powered by Umaโข, Upwork's Mindful AI to draft a precise description in seconds. Describe your needs in a few sentences and Uma drafts a job post for the role. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post.
- Specify experience with HTL scripting and Sling Models for backend component logic.
- List required skills in OSGi bundle configuration and Maven-based project structures.
- Mention familiarity with AEM Cloud Manager CI/CD pipelines for deployment automation.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Review portfolios for evidence of custom AEM component development and successful deployments. Uma can run instant video interviews and build shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to speed up your selection process.
- Look for examples of resource types extended via resource super type behavior.
- Check for deployed artifacts such as OSGi bundles and content packages in past work.
- Verify experience mapping repository data to Java objects using Sling Models.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss technical approaches to component authoring and backend integration strategies. Interviews can be scheduled and conducted within Upwork Messages with an immediate transcript and summary after each one.
- Ask how they structure HTL templates to separate logic from presentation layers.
- Request details on configuring quality gates within Cloud Manager pipelines.
- Explore their method for exposing Sling Model data to front-end scripts.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Outline specific deliverables like custom components and CI/CD configurations before starting. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.
- Define milestones for building and testing individual AEM components.
- Set expectations for exporting deployable project artifacts through staging environments.
- Agree on protocols for updating OSGi configurations in production systems.
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