Senior PHP Backend Developer / Backend Architect

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced, independent Senior PHP Backend Developer with a strong background in building, maintaining, and scaling complex, production-level applications.

The ideal candidate has deep technical expertise, extensive experience working on large-scale projects, and the ability to take full ownership of backend development - from architecture and technical planning to implementation, testing, and deployment.

We are looking for a developer who understands how software works at a fundamental level, can solve complex technical problems independently without relying on AI, and knows how to leverage AI tools to accelerate development and improve productivity.

This role requires strong analytical thinking, initiative, accountability, and the ability to identify, prioritize, and execute technical tasks with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, maintain, and optimize complex backend applications using PHP/LAMP.
• Take ownership of backend architecture, technical decisions, and implementation.
• Independently identify technical challenges, define tasks, prioritize solutions, and deliver results.
• Design and develop scalable APIs, backend services, and third-party integrations.
• Build and optimize database architecture, queries, and data processing workflows.
• Maintain and improve existing large-scale applications, including legacy systems.
• Apply best practices in security, performance optimization, testing, documentation, and code quality.
• Use AI-assisted development tools effectively while independently validating, debugging, and taking full responsibility for all generated code.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, project stakeholders, and clients to translate business requirements into reliable technical solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve system architecture, development workflows, and overall efficiency.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional backend development experience, including at least 5 years of hands-on PHP development.
• Proven experience developing and maintaining large-scale, complex, production applications.
• Advanced PHP knowledge, including object-oriented programming, design patterns, and software architecture.
• Strong understanding of system design, scalability, performance optimization, security, and API development.
• Extensive experience with relational databases, database architecture, and complex SQL queries.
• Experience integrating third-party APIs and external services.
• Proficiency with Git, testing, debugging, and deployment workflows.
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and deliver complex technical projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong fundamental programming skills and the ability to develop, troubleshoot, and evaluate solutions without AI assistance.
• Practical experience using AI coding tools to improve development speed and efficiency without compromising quality.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with ClickHouse and high-volume data processing.
• Experience with high-traffic applications, distributed systems, or enterprise platforms.
• Experience with legacy system modernization and architecture refactoring.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, cloud infrastructure, and automated deployment.
• Experience with AI-assisted workflows and development automation.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must be willing to complete a professional background check as a condition of employment or engagement, subject to applicable laws and with appropriate consent.

We value developers who combine deep technical expertise with independence, ownership, and the ability to use modern tools intelligently.

• Please apply with your resume and a brief description of the most complex backend system you have personally worked on, including your responsibilities and technical contributions.