Server Side Software Engineer

Description

Seeking a Senior Software Engineer with a strong server-side and PHP focus to support the full software development lifecycle of cloud-based, scalable web applications. This role emphasizes backend architecture, API development, database integration, and containerized deployments, while collaborating with UI, DevOps, and stakeholder teams to deliver reliable, mission-critical systems.

Target salary is $115-120k. (Please note this position is funded through June 2026.)

Primary Focus Areas

• Server-side and API development.
• PHP-based application architecture.
• Database-driven web applications.
• Containerized and cloud-hosted systems.
• Agile software delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain backend services and APIs using PHP.
• Support full-stack integration between front-end and backend components.
• Develop scalable web, desktop, and utility applications.
• Analyze and resolve issues related to system intent, outputs, data flows, and controls.
• Optimize server-side performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate functional requirements into technical solutions.
• Participate fully in Agile ceremonies (sprints, stand-ups, retrospectives).

Qualifications

Core Technical Skills

• Server-Side: PHP (advanced), API development, backend optimization.
• Databases: SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL).
• Containers: Docker and containerized application deployment.
• Cloud: Experience developing and running applications in cloud environments (AWS preferred).
• DevOps: GitLab, GitLab CI/CD pipelines.

Agile & Delivery

• Strong experience working on Agile teams.
• Focus on scalable, maintainable backend solutions.
• Comfortable collaborating across engineering, UI, and operations teams.
• Bachelor's and five (5) or relevant years of experience in lieu of degree.

Security & Compliance

• Active Secret clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred / Value-Add Experience

• AWS DevOps Engineer certification.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Record Stores (LRS).
• Familiarity with Moodle, Rustici, Superset.
• Experience supporting data-heavy or reporting-focused platforms.
• Backend performance tuning and scalability work.
• Experience modernizing legacy PHP systems.
• Exposure to DevSecOps practices in cloud environments.
• DoD 8570 certification in IAT Level II certification or above (Security+ CE, CASP+ CE, CISSP, etc.)