Senior Backend Developer (PHP)

Role Overview

Senior Backend Developer (PHP) at Squadio. The role leads the design and development of robust, scalable, and high-performance backend systems.

Role Purpose

To lead backend architecture and development efforts, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability of PHP-based systems while mentoring team members and driving technical excellence throughout the software development lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Design

• Lead backend architecture and development efforts, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability of PHP-based systems.
• Design and optimize databases, crafting efficient data models, writing high-performance SQL queries, and managing complex data migrations.
• Stay ahead of technology trends, continuously evaluating and adopting new PHP frameworks, tools, and architectural patterns.

Integration & APIs

• Integrate external APIs and internal microservices, ensuring seamless interoperability and secure data exchange.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with front-end engineers, product managers, and DevOps teams to define technical solutions aligned with business objectives.

Security & Performance

• Implement robust security practices, including authentication, authorization, input validation, and data protection mechanisms.
• Drive performance optimization, identifying bottlenecks, implementing caching layers, and improving backend efficiency.

Code Quality & Mentorship

• Oversee code quality through regular code reviews, enforcing best practices, and guiding junior developers in clean coding principles.
• Provide technical mentorship, support production systems, and ensure high availability and reliability in live environments.

DevOps & Deployment

• Contribute to DevOps and CI/CD initiatives, ensuring smooth deployment pipelines and automated testing processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years of professional experience in backend development, with deep expertise in PHP and frameworks such as Laravel, Symfony, or CodeIgniter.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns (SOLID principles, MVC), and scalable system design.
• Hands-on experience with RESTful APIs, microservices architecture, and third-party API integrations.
• Advanced knowledge of MySQL or other relational databases, including query optimization and schema design.
• Solid understanding of server environments, deployment automation, and cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or similar).

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in version control systems (Git) and experience with collaborative workflows (branching, pull requests, code reviews).
• Familiarity with frontend technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and their integration with backend systems.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex production issues.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a proactive approach to mentoring and collaboration.
• Passion for engineering excellence, continuous learning, and contributing to a culture of innovation and quality.