Senior PHP Developer

Senior Backend Software Engineer (PHP)

Location: Remote, East Coast United States

Compensation: Varies on experience

Status must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

Employment Type: Full Time (flexibility to travel if needed)

Recruitment Partner: GemTek Recruiting

The Opportunity

GemTek Recruiting is partnering with an established technology company in the online auction and digital marketplace industry to identify an experienced Senior Backend Software Engineer.

This is an exciting opportunity for a developer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, maintaining and enhancing established applications, and contributing to the evolution of modern backend architecture.

Our client operates a sophisticated technology platform supporting online auctions, marketplace transactions, and business critical integrations.

The ideal candidate brings deep PHP expertise, strong database and API development skills, and an interest in helping modernize existing systems using Rust.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain, enhance, and expand a large production web application.

• Develop scalable, maintainable PHP applications using MVC frameworks.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of new Rust backend services.

• Optimize MySQL/MariaDB databases, including complex queries, indexing, transactions, and performance.

• Design, develop, document, and maintain REST APIs.

• Integrate third party systems, including payment gateways and business critical services.

• Write clean, efficient, tested code that supports medium to large datasets.

• Collaborate with frontend developers and cross functional stakeholders.

• Implement unit, integration, and automated testing.

• Work with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated deployment processes.

• Troubleshoot Unix/Linux application environments.

• Participate in architecture discussions, code reviews, and technical mentoring.

• Help guide the gradual modernization of an established technology platform.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional software development experience, including full stack development.

• Advanced PHP development expertise and experience with MVC frameworks.

• Strong MySQL/MariaDB skills, including database design, indexing, complex SQL queries, transaction management, and performance optimization.

• Proven experience designing, developing, documenting, and integrating REST APIs.

• Knowledge of API authentication, authorization, HTTP methods, and standards.

• Experience with automated testing, including unit and integration tests.

• Proficiency with Git, CI/CD, and deployment workflows.

• Working knowledge of Unix/Linux environments, shell scripting, and server administration.

• Ability to write maintainable, scalable, production quality code.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Rust or a genuine interest in learning Rust.

• Experience with Phalcon PHP framework.

• Familiarity with Node.js.

• Experience modernizing legacy applications.

• Knowledge of microservices and service oriented architecture.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive compensation

• Remote work environment with Eastern Time business hour collaboration.

• Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and 401(k) matching.

• Opportunity to influence the modernization of an established platform.

• Meaningful technical ownership and architectural involvement.

• Collaborative environment where your expertise and contributions matter.

The GemTek Difference

At GemTek Recruiting, we believe recruitment should be built on transparency, integrity, and meaningful human connections.

We take the time to understand your experience, career goals, and what matters most to you. Our commitment is to provide a professional, respectful, and supportive candidate experience throughout the hiring process.

Ready to explore your next opportunity?

Apply confidentially through GemTek Recruiting. Qualified candidates will be contacted to discuss the opportunity, technical requirements, and next steps.