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# Senior WordPress Backend Developer

- **Company:** TEAL MEDIA LLC
- **Location:** Washington, DC, United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $115,000.0 - $135,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** PHP (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Code Review, Open Source Technology, WordPress, Backend, Front End Software Development
- **Published:** September 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://arc.dev/remote-jobs/j/redirect/pm2x7vnare

## About the Role

* 10+ years of experience building with WordPress and other PHP tools, including deep expertise in custom themes, plugins, and WordPress architecture
 * Strong proficiency in PHP and modern backend development practices, including AI-based workflows.
 * Experience working in an agency or consulting environment, balancing multiple projects and priorities.

## Description

Teal Media is looking for a Senior WordPress Backend Developer who's a thoughtful problem-solver and hands-on builder. This role is a client-facing technical lead who partners with designers, frontend developers, and strategists to architect, build, and evolve WordPress and other platforms for our clients. You bring years or decades of backend expertise, take ownership of technical decisions, and enjoy translating complex client needs into reliable, scalable solutions. You're confident when leading technical work, adaptable as projects evolve, and motivated by supporting mission-driven organizations.

What success looks like in this role

 * You translate ambiguous client needs into clear, actionable technical approaches.
 * You've worked at an agency or have other experience juggling multiple competing priorities.
 * You build trust with clients through clarity, responsiveness, and sound judgment.
 * You balance ideal technical solutions with real-world constraints (budget, timeline, team capacity).
 * You take ownership of outcomes, not just assigned tasks.

What You'll Do

Build & Deliver

 * Lead the architecture and development of custom web projects, primarily using open-source tools, with a strong focus on WordPress backend development (themes, plugins, and systems integrations).
 * Act as the lead developer on both new builds and ongoing support work, owning technical decisions and translating complex client needs into thoughtful, scalable solutions.
 * Take pride in building long-term, maintainable solutions.
 * Identify risks early and propose alternative approaches when needed.

Collaborate with Purpose

 * Act as a technical lead in client conversations, clearly explaining complex concepts in accessible terms.
 * Present tradeoffs and recommendations with confidence, helping clients make informed decisions.
 * Navigate ambiguity and challenging situations with professionalism and sound judgment.

Lead & Support the Team

 * Mentor developers across the team through thoughtful feedback, pairing, and code reviews.
 * Participate in hiring and evaluation of technical talent as needed.
 * Model strong communication, collaboration, and accountability within project teams.


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- [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock)
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