Senior PHP Developer - Laravel Framework (4-7 yrs)

About Codesmith :

Founded in 2013, Codesmith is an independent software development company based in Utah, US. We offer software development services to our clients who run the gamut from Fortune 500 companies to bootstrapped startups and we cover a wide variety of industries from QSR to steel processing, professional training tools to pregnancy apps, sports management software to financial services. Everyday is different here, which is exactly how we like it!

We are a low-ego environment and believe great ideas can come from anywhere. We emphasize teamwork, collaboration, humility and we value character over craft. We get excited about creative and entrepreneurial thinking (regardless of role), outstanding client service, high energy and a positive attitude!

Overview of our Ideal Candidate :

The Senior PHP Developer will be a key team member responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and optimizing the legacy projects while leading backend development efforts across the organization. This individual will act as the technical point of contact for legacy systems, ensuring stability and scalability while driving the team toward clean, efficient, and maintainable code.

Role Responsibilities :

Project Ownership :

- Take complete ownership of all legacy projects, including understanding their architecture, codebase, and infrastructure.

- Drive knowledge transfer sessions with current backend (BE) resources to ensure seamless onboarding.

Technical Proficiency :

- Debug and diagnose code, network, and infrastructure-related issues with efficiency and accuracy.

- Lead and mentor backend resources, ensuring adherence to clean coding principles and development best practices.

- Perform code reviews and ensure that the team produces scalable, high-quality code.

Backend Development Expertise :

- Design and develop backend features using the Laravel PHP framework.

- Create and manage relational database schemas with MySQL or similar databases, ensuring high performance and scalability.

- Handle database design, optimization, and migrations effectively.

- Implement secure coding practices and mitigate common security vulnerabilities in web applications.

Cross-Functional Collaboration :

- Work closely with the project management team to ensure efficient project planning from an engineering stand point.

- Collaborate with PMs and BAs to propose and implement optimal technical solutions for client requirements.

- Ensure project timelines and deliverables are met while maintaining code quality.

System Optimization and Security :

- Implement infrastructure and network-level debugging and optimizations.

- Design systems with an emphasis on scalability, maintainability, and security.

Required Skill-Set :

Must-haves :

Technical Skills :

- Proficient in PHP, particularly the Laravel framework.

- Solid understanding of MVC design patterns and application of clean coding principles.

- Strong knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.

- Experience with Git or other version control systems.

- Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools for deployment and monitoring.

- Experience with RESTful APIs development and integration.

- Knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) for hosting and scaling applications.

- Expertise in implementing security measures and resolving vulnerabilities in web applications, and also managing infrastructure

- Familiarity with front-end frameworks such as Bootstrap or React (preferred).

Database Skills :

- Proficient in relational databases such as MySQL.

- Experience with database design, optimization, and migration techniques.

Soft Skills :

- Strong problem-solving and debugging capabilities, with the ability to troubleshoot issues across the stack.

- Leadership qualities to manage and guide the backend team and act as the first escalation point for the developers.

- An ownership mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential system issues.

- Good communication skills to interface with PMs, BAs, and Developers.

Experience :

- Minimum 5 years of experience in backend development with a strong focus on PHP and Laravel.

- Experience working with large, complex systems and legacy projects is highly desirable.