Lead PHP developer

UST is seeking a Lead PHP Software Engineer to drive the upgrade and enhancement of the Programming Interface. In this role, you will take full ownership of modernizing the API service, leading the PHP and CakePHP upgrade to their latest versions while ensuring system stability, compatibility, and performance.

Since the team lacks strong PHP expertise, we expect you to be the primary PHP expert, providing technical leadership and guidance throughout the upgrade process. You will work closely with backend engineers and the engineering manager, ensuring a smooth, well-documented migration while maintaining system integrity.

Project overview: this project implements API calls based on Service Core data model. Mostly for CRUD operations. The implementation is based on CakePHP and its MVC design, it emits only JSON, so no views are maintained. Contains around 300 endpoints and 100 controllers.

Workload: this is a project-based, full-time position, with the duration aligned to the project’s lifecycle. There is also a possibility of rotation to other projects upon successful completion of this assignment.

Location: Ukraine.

Project length: 6 months.

English level: Upper-Intermediate.

Skills & experience:

Technical Skills:

• Strong experience in PHP development with a deep understanding of object-oriented programming.
• Experience with CakePHP, preferably versions 1.x to 5.x (or experience with migrating PHP frameworks).
• Proficiency in Composer for dependency management.
• Prior experience in performing major PHP upgrades to modern versions, including resolving compatibility issues.
• Strong knowledge of MySQL/PostgreSQL and database interactions.
• Familiarity with API development and RESTful principles.
• Experience working with testing frameworks like Codeseption, PHPUnit, or Jest (for e2e tests).
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies.
• Experience integrating observability tools (metrics, logging, alerts).
• Experience with Docker for local development and familiarity with AWS EC2 instances.

Development Practices:

• Passion for writing efficient, maintainable, and well-structured code.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to document changes clearly and collaborate with other engineers.

Key responsibilities:

• Upgrade PHP from 5.6 to 8.x and CakePHP from 1.3.14 to 5.x.
• Migrate project dependencies and resolve any conflicts.
• Implement and improve test coverage for critical API endpoints.
• Ensure system stability and maintain existing functionalities during the upgrade.
• Enhance observability by adding logging, monitoring, and alerts.
• Collaborate with other engineers to ensure smooth integration and transition.
• Document upgrade steps, issues, and resolutions to ensure a clear knowledge transfer.

Communication & reporting:

• Timely updates on any roadblocks or challenges;
• Regular updates (daily/or few times a week);
• Close collaboration with EXP backend engineers and the engineering manager.

We offer:

• The environment where you can implement your ideas.
• Flexible schedule and opportunity to work remotely (8 hours workday).
• Paid vacations and sick leaves.
• Medical insurance.
• Participation in educational activities and thematic conferences.
• Team parties and corporate events.