Senior Back-end Engineer - PHP, Node.js

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Back-end Engineer - PHP, Node.js based in Germany., As a Senior Back-end Engineer, you’ll help build reliable, scalable systems that power commerce solutions used at global scale. You’ll join a collaborative engineering environment where product thinking is just as important as technical excellence. The role combines hands-on backend development with architectural decision-making, performance optimization, and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with Product Managers and other stakeholders to turn business needs into impactful technical solutions. With strong ownership over your initiatives, you’ll have the freedom to challenge requirements, prioritize effectively, and influence how solutions are designed and delivered. You’ll also contribute to engineering culture through code reviews, testing, pair programming, and knowledge sharing. This is a fully remote opportunity within EMEA for an experienced engineer who enjoys solving complex problems and working in an evolving environment. Accountabilities

• Design, develop, test, and ship high-quality backend solutions that are scalable, reliable, maintainable, and aligned with product goals.
• Work primarily with PHP or Node.js while developing the flexibility and expertise to contribute across both backend ecosystems.
• Design and improve high-load architectures using distributed systems principles, Domain-Driven Design, CQRS, and modern software engineering practices.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, stakeholders, and fellow engineers to translate business requirements into effective technical solutions.
• Take end-to-end ownership of technical initiatives, from solution design and prioritization through implementation, testing, deployment, and continuous improvement.
• Identify technical debt, performance bottlenecks, bugs, and opportunities for platform improvements, prioritizing work according to business and user impact.
• Contribute to engineering quality through code reviews, refactoring, unit testing, pair programming, and continuous integration and deployment.
• Troubleshoot complex issues, optimize application performance, and help maintain reliable production systems.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, technical discussions, and mentoring opportunities while continuously improving engineering practices.
• Use AI-assisted development tools and LLMs effectively for architectural exploration, implementation, testing, debugging, documentation, and code quality.

• 5+ years of professional backend software development experience with strong proficiency in PHP or Node.js and a willingness to learn and work with the other technology.
• Strong experience designing and developing high-load systems, distributed architectures, Domain-Driven Design (DDD), and CQRS.
• Solid understanding of software engineering principles and best practices, including SOLID, Test-Driven Development (TDD), CI/CD, and Agile methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with backend technologies such as PHP 8.1+, Symfony, Laravel, Yii2, Doctrine, or comparable frameworks and libraries.
• Experience working with databases and infrastructure technologies such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, AWS, Kubernetes, and Docker.
• Strong debugging, testing, performance optimization, and problem-solving skills.
• Product-minded approach, with the ability to prioritize technical work according to business value and user impact rather than technical preference alone.
• Strong sense of ownership, initiative, and accountability, with the ability to work independently in a fast-changing environment.
• Good spoken and written English communication skills.
• Practical experience using LLMs and coding assistants such as Claude or GitHub Copilot to improve development workflows is expected.
• Strong collaboration skills and willingness to contribute through code reviews, pair programming, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional teamwork.

• Fully remote work within eligible EMEA locations, with the option to work from a modern office environment where available.
• Flexible working hours, allowing you to structure your day around your work and personal commitments.
• Private health insurance.
• Two additional paid days off dedicated to mental or physical wellbeing.
• One additional paid day off for your birthday or another personal celebration of your choice.
• Access to internal and external learning and professional development opportunities.
• Mentorship, technical meetups, hackathons, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Healthy lunch provided when working from the office.
• Employee merchandise opportunities and discounts.
• Team-building activities, company events, and social gatherings.
• Opportunity to work within a global, inclusive, and ambitious engineering organization focused on delivering meaningful commerce solutions.