We are seeking an experienced Backend Engineer (PHP) to design, build, and optimise backend systems that power high-traffic, secure, and scalable platforms. In this hands-on role, you will drive architecture decisions, enhance system performance, and contribute to high-quality delivery across the engineering organisation. You will also support mentoring efforts and cross-functional collaboration while helping shape backend engineering best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver key sprint outcomes through hands-on backend development.
• Architect and implement backend solutions that are performant, reliable, automated, and cost-efficient.
• Proactively identify and implement improvements to system performance, cost, quality, and security (~20%).
• Mentor junior and offshore developers on architecture, coding standards, testing, and performance optimisation (~15%).
• Support the Tech Director and Senior Engineering Manager in improving engineering processes, governance, and delivery practices.
• Ensure adherence to coding conventions, documentation quality, agile processes, and test coverage requirements.
• Estimate effort, provide technical solutions, and develop Proof of Concepts (POCs) to de-risk complex technical challenges.
• Collaborate with Product Managers and Owners on product lifecycle decisions, contributing to feasibility analysis and risk assessment.
• Liaise with external technology vendors to support platform integrations and development capabilities.
• Work closely with internal teams, including Marketplace (dealer contracts, customer service) and Content Teams (consumer content, lead generation), ensuring smooth technical alignment.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of full-stack or backend development experience with PHP, WordPress, and Laravel.
• Proven experience building REST/GraphQL APIs and standalone applications using frameworks such as Laravel and Horizon.
• Hands-on experience working with SQL and NoSQL databases; proficient with ORM tools such as Eloquent.
• Experience working with cloud providers such as AWS or GCP.
• Strong understanding of DevOps principles, including Automation, CI/CD, and Observability.
• Experience designing and delivering high-traffic, secure, scalable, and cost-optimised systems, ideally using frameworks like the AWS Well-Architected Framework.
• Solid understanding of cloud infrastructure, microservices, distributed systems, and ETL processes.
• Working knowledge of Agile development practices, including backlog planning, grooming, and retrospectives.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience mentoring and collaborating with diverse engineering teams.

No work visa sponsorship available; the candidate must have full Australian work rights. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted