Lead Back End Engineer

Job description

Our Engineering team ensures Code and Theory delivers scalable, high-performance, web applications that delight users. We always strive to balance the demanding nature of working on new technologies with the real-world demands of high-performance web applications. Working in collaboration with our multi-disciplinary engineering, design, and quality assurance teams, you will build software that solves real-world problems for incredible clients.Our Back-end Engineers partner with our cross-functional teams to identify and implement innovative technologies that ensure server-side applications are robust, secure, efficient, and drive business growth. As a Lead Back-End Engineer, you will combine hands-on execution with technical leadership and system-level thinking, partnering closely with cross-functional teams. WHAT YOU'LL DODesign and implement scalable, high-performance backend services and APIs, with an emphasis on reliability, security, and long-term maintainabilityBuild and maintain backend services using appropriate technology stacks, with an emphasis on clean architecture and API-driven designDesign, build, and maintain REST and GraphQL APIs to support headless, decoupled frontends and system integrationsOptimize database schemas, queries, and caching strategies for performance, scalability, and high-traffic content sites.Apply backend security best practices including authentication, authorization, data protection, and vulnerability mitigationSupport DevOps workflows including CI/CD pipelines, deployments, monitoring, and performance tuning in cloud environmentsCollaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure clean contracts between systemsLead and participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and technical decision-makingActively uphold and strengthen Agile delivery practices, including sprint planning, estimation, and retrospectivesTroubleshoot and resolve complex backend and integration issuesMentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across backend-related workContribute to technical documentation, playbooks, and standards to support maintainability and team scalability WHAT YOU'LL NEEDBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)7+ years of backend engineering experience across production systemsStrong fundamentals in backend engineering concepts: APIs, data modeling, performance, security, and system designExperience working with PHP-based frameworks (e.g., CodeIgniter, Laravel) and/or CMS platforms (e.g., CraftCMS)Experience with headless integration, including decoupled architecture and RESTful APIsExperience with Google APIs (Calendar) and Google SSOExperience integrating transactional email services (e.g., Mandrill or similar email delivery platforms)Knowledge and experience working with AWS (EC2, RDS, ElastiCache, S3, Route53, ELB).Understanding of web security best practices and ability to implement security measures for websitesFamiliarity with modern front-end technologies (JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS)Knowledge of version control systems (Git)Able to work with Docker and Docker composeGood understanding of hosting environments, server administration, and optimization techniquesExcellent problem-solving skills and ability to debug complex issuesExperience with Agile software development methodologies and project management toolsStrong communication and collaboration skills, able to work with cross-functional teamsExperience in JIRA or at least other ticket tracking tools NICE TO HAVEExposure to system modernization or migration projects (legacy to modern stacks)Experience with frontend frameworks (React, Next.js, Vue) to improve backend–frontend collaborationFamiliarity with infrastructure-as-code, observability, and production monitoring toolsExposure to additional backend languages or paradigms (e.g., Go, Python, event-driven systems)Exposure to AI-related integrations or services (e.g., AI APIs, automation, or data-driven features)Familiarity with legacy frontend libraries and tooling (e.g., jQuery and related plugins, Bootstrap, Handlebars, Moment.js)Exposure to creative and design tools (e.g., Figma) and an understanding of how engineering supports creative workflowsExperience working on marketing, content-driven, or creative technology projects