Software Engineer (PHP / Symfony / React)

We are looking for an established Mid-level Software Engineer with strong PHP expertise and hands-on experience using Symfony to build robust, production-ready applications.

This role requires someone who doesn’t just write code that works, but code that lasts. You will bring a firm commitment to SOLID principles, clean code, and modular design patterns. Working closely with our small, collaborative team, you will take ownership of backend features across bespoke systems and ecommerce platforms, contribute directly to architectural decisions, and help shape how we build and deploy modern web applications.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Software Development: Designing, building, and maintaining robust backend systems using modern PHP and Symfony, alongside light frontend component development using React and modern Typescript.
• Architectural Quality: Writing clean, testable, and maintainable code strictly adhering to SOLID principles and object-oriented design patterns.
• Database & API Design: Building scalable RESTful APIs and designing schema/queries for relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL) using Doctrine ORM.
• Technical Leadership & Collaboration: Participating actively in code reviews, pair programming, and shaping technical approaches for client projects.
• Modern Infrastructure: Working with containerised applications (Docker) and contributing to cloud deployments on AWS (ECS / EKS) with support from the team.
• System Reliability: Identifying bottlenecks, debugging complex issues, improving performance, and writing automated tests (PHPUnit).

Essential:

• Proven commercial experience as a Software Engineer building production web applications in modern PHP.
• Strong hands-on experience with Symfony (and/or Laravel).
• A solid, practical command of SOLID principles, OOP best practices, design patterns, and clean architecture.
• Strong understanding of web architecture (HTTP, RESTful APIs, MVC pattern).
• Experience with relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL), ORMs (Doctrine), and query optimisation.
• Proficiency with Git in team workflows (pull requests, branching strategies, code reviews).
• A proactive problem-solver with strong communication skills and a team-first mindset.
• Working/basic knowledge of React and modern JavaScript (ES6+) for building and integrating frontend interfaces with APIs.

Bonus Points For:

• Experience with Docker and containerised local development setups.
• Exposure to cloud deployment pipelines, AWS (ECS, EKS, S3), or CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong automated testing experience using PHPUnit or Jest/React Testing Library.
• Experience in an agency, consultancy.
• Basic understaning of React/View

• Skill Progression: Direct path to level up your architectural skills, master containerised environments, and gain deep hands-on experience with AWS cloud services.
• Culture: A low-ego, supportive engineering culture where your technical input directly influences projects.
• Variety: Greenfield builds and platform evolution across a diverse client base.
• Benefits:
• Flexitime & Work From Home options
• Company pension scheme
• Employee discount & canteen facilities
• On-site free parking

At Mantle Development, we build bespoke digital products and high-performing solutions for ambitious clients. True to our strapline, “At the Core of Your Business”, we pride ourselves on delivering robust software, exceptional user experiences, and long-term, dependable relationships.