Backend Engineer

Quick Facts

• Focus: Server-side engineering with PHP and Laravel
• Responsibilities: APIs, integrations, testing, CI/CD, monitoring, troubleshooting
• Work style: Remote-first, Agile/Scrum collaboration

Description

Design, build, and maintain scalable server-side applications to ensure strong performance and stability. Own features and services end-to-end: build RESTful APIs with Laravel, implement database-efficient solutions in PostgreSQL, create integrations, write automated tests, and deploy/run services in Docker on AWS. Collaborate cross-functionally with product, front-end, QA, and DevOps while monitoring health and resolving production issues.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize high-throughput RESTful APIs using PHP and Laravel
• Write efficient PostgreSQL queries and schema designs for data-intensive workflows
• Develop features in an Agile/Scrum process
• Build and maintain third-party and internal API integrations
• Deploy and run services in Docker containers on AWS (or comparable cloud)
• Write automated unit, integration, and API-level tests for critical workflows
• Integrate tests into CI/CD pipelines using Git/GitHub-based workflows and Docker
• Maintain technical documentation for troubleshooting and API integrations (version-controlled in Git/GitHub)
• Monitor application health, performance, and error logs with Rollbar and AWS CloudWatch
• Identify, document, and track defects; analyze logs and debug to find root causes
• Participate in code reviews and improve coding standards and development processes
• Improve CI/CD pipelines and tooling (Docker, monitoring/logging, cloud infrastructure)
• Document internal processes and create troubleshooting playbooks/knowledge base

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional experience with PHP and Laravel
• Experience with AWS services such as Lambdas, SES, Workers, etc.
• Solid knowledge of RESTful APIs and ability to write automated API tests
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent education/experience
• Deep experience with SQL databases (preferably PostgreSQL), including schema design, queries, and performance optimization
• Ability to use AI tools to boost productivity (without relying on them to perform core work)
• Experience with Git and GitHub collaborative workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and integrating automated tests into deployments
• Experience with Docker
• Knowledge of monitoring tools such as Rollbar and CloudWatch
• Located in the US and able to work full-time for a US employer without requiring visa sponsorship (E-Verify during onboarding)

Benefits

• Competitive salary: targeted range $105,000–$140,000/year based on qualifications/experience
• Comprehensive benefits: 75% subsidized health insurance, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k) with company match
• Professional development opportunities
• Fully remote collaboration (synchronous and asynchronous)
• Collaborative and supportive work environment