Senior Backend Engineer (PHP)
2 days ago
Liverpool
Senior Backend Engineer (PHP – Core / Custom Frameworks) Senior PHP Engineer (Backend / Systems) Backend Engineer – PHP (High Performance Systems) Remote (UK / Europe) | Occasional travel to Germany/U S💰 Highly competitive (top-tier talent focus ) Custom framework s”“Core PHP (no heavy framework reliance )”“Build and maintain internal librarie s”“High-performance / low-latency system s”“Scalability and concurren cyBackend infrastructu reDistributed syste msHigh concurren cyAsync processing (ReactPHP, Swoole, Framework X)System desi gn This is NOT a typical Laravel/Symfony role. We are looking for engineers who have experience building or working with custom frameworks, core backend systems, and high-performance PHP applications. If your experience is primarily CMS or standard web development (WordPress, Drupal, basic Laravel apps), this role will not be the right f it. You must have at least one of the following: - Experience building or maintaining a custom framework - Contributions to open-source backend libraries/frameworks - Experience working on high-load, scalable backend sys tems You’ll be working directly with a highly technical CTO who is deeply experienced in PHP and backend system de sign. We are looking for engineers who think beyond frameworks — those who understand how systems work under the hood and can build them from sc ratch. About Ma kersHubMakersHub is an award-winning fintech startup transforming Accounts Payable automation using AI. Backed by top investors, the company is scaling rapidly and building highly complex, high-performance backend s ystems._ _T he RoleWe’re looking for a top-tier Senior PHP Backend Engineer to help build and scale a custom, high-performance backend infrastr ucture.🚨 This is NOT a standard PHP/Larav el roleYou will be working on custom-built frameworks, libraries, and infrastructure, designed for performance, scalability, and low l atency._ _What Yo u’ll Do• Architect and build backend systems using c ore PHP• Develop and maintain custom frameworks, libraries, and core classes• Design scalable, high-performance APIs and s ervices• Optimize for high concurrency, low latency, and reli ability• Work closely with the CTO (PHP expert) on system design and archi tecture• Drive best practices in security, testing, and perf ormance_ _Tec h Stack• PHP (custom architecture – not relying on Laravel/S ymfony)• FrameworkX (async proc essing)• React (fr ontend)• MySQL, Redis, queues_ _What We’re Looking For (Mus t-Have)✅ Strong PHP engineering background (7+ years)✅ ✅ Proven experience building or working with custom frameworks (ESS ENTIAL)✅ Experience building applications / platforms (not just we b apps)✅ Ability to work without heavy framework r eliance_ _Strong Technical Experi ence In• Designing scalable systems with high conc urrency• Building custom libraries / reusable com ponents• API architecture and third-party integ rations• Performance optimization & database tuning (MySQL)• Async processing, queues, and caching (Redis)• Secure systems (payments, financial data pre ferred)_ _Ideal Candidate Profile• Has contributed to meaningful open-source proj ects OR• Built/maintained custom frameworks or internal platf orms OR• Worked on high-load, low-latency, or financial systems_ _Cult ure Fit• Experience in startups or smal l teams• Comfortable with ambiguity & fast-paced envir onments• High ownership mindset• Genuinely excited about the product & company_ _Interview Process1. Intro / beha vioural2. Technical de ep dive3. Final (CEO, if re quired)⚠️ Process may move slightly slower due to sele ctivity_ _Lo gistics• Fully remote (UK / Europe pre ferred)• CTO based in Germany• Travel 1–2x/y ear max_ _Screening Qu estions• What experience do you have building custom frameworks or libraries from scratch (without relying on Laravel/Sy mfony)?• Can you share open-source contributions or code s amples?• Have you worked in a startup or small team envir onment?• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous envir onment?