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.)

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.