Senior Backend Engineer

We're looking for a hands-on Senior Backend Developer to take ownership of our backend systems. You'll work primarily within a PHP/Laravel environment, building and maintaining APIs that power both web and mobile applications. This role blends feature development with BAU (Business As Usual) responsibilities, including handling client-driven requests and maintaining production stability.

Tech Stack

• Backend: PHP 8.2, Laravel
• Database: MySQL
• Auth: Laravel Passport (OAuth)
• Templating: Blade
• API Documentation: Swagger / OpenAPI
• Integrations: Twilio (OTP verification)
• DevOps Exposure: Apache, Linux-based deployments, Composer, * Design, develop, and maintain backend APIs using Laravel
• Collaborate closely with frontend developers (web + mobile) to deliver end-to-end features
• Own API structure, performance, and reliability
• Maintain and extend Swagger documentation for internal and external use
• Perform BAU tasks, including:
• Handling client tickets
• Manual data updates (e.g. employee address changes)
• File management (e.g. payslip uploads)
• Debug and resolve production issues quickly and effectively
• Manage database migrations, seeders, and data integrity
• Support deployment processes and server updates
• Improve system performance, scalability, and security, * Payroll processing systems
• Employee data management workflows
• API integrations for web and mobile apps
• Internal tools for HR operations
• Ongoing system improvements and optimisations

Why Join Now

This is a ground-floor opportunity. You're not joining a bloated team, you're helping build the engine.

That means:

• Direct impact from day one. Your work ships, gets used, and matters immediately, no bureaucratic layers between you and the product.
• Team leadership as we scale. As the platform grows, so does the team. Early joiners will be first in line to lead departments, manage hires, and shape how we build.
• Performance-based salary progression. We reward output, not tenure. Consistent delivery and ownership unlock structured salary increases, reviewed regularly, tied directly to your contribution.
• Expanding scope, expanding reward. As the company takes on more clients and complexity, your role grows with it. Additional responsibilities are recognised and compensated, not dumped on you quietly.

• 5+ years of backend development experience
• Strong expertise in PHP and Laravel
• Solid experience with MySQL and relational database design
• Experience building and maintaining RESTful APIs
• Familiarity with Swagger/OpenAPI
• Experience with authentication systems (OAuth, JWT, or similar)
• Comfortable working in production environments and handling live issues
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
• Experience collaborating with frontend teams

Nice to Have

• Experience with payroll, HR, or fintech systems
• Familiarity with Twilio or similar communication APIs
• Experience with Linux server environments and Apache
• Understanding of deployment workflows and infrastructure
• Exposure to Hack (HHVM) or shell scripting

Working Style

• Hands-on, pragmatic engineer who can balance speed with reliability
• Comfortable switching between feature work and operational support
• Strong attention to detail, especially when handling sensitive data
• Communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders