Lead PHP Developer

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Lead PHP Developer in Portugal.

This role sits at the core of a fast-scaling fintech environment where you will help design, build, and evolve high-performance backend systems powering modern payment solutions. You will work on complex, distributed architectures that support white-label and SaaS platforms used across the financial ecosystem. The position combines hands-on development with architectural ownership, requiring a strong focus on scalability, security, and reliability. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to integrate third-party services and continuously improve platform capabilities. The environment is highly technical, product-driven, and innovation-oriented, with strong emphasis on clean architecture and engineering excellence. This is a high-impact role for an experienced backend engineer eager to shape mission-critical financial infrastructure.

Accountabilities

• Design, develop, test, document, deploy, and maintain scalable backend systems from scratch
• Enhance and optimize existing API and backend architecture to improve performance and reliability
• Integrate third-party payment and fintech services, including gateways, acquirers, and verification systems
• Debug, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical issues across production and development environments
• Ensure high-quality software delivery by building and maintaining automated test environments and frameworks
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code aligned with best engineering practices
• Collaborate with front-end engineers and cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end solutions
• Contribute to system stability and production support, ensuring smooth operation of live services
• Participate in architectural discussions and help define scalable backend and integration strategies
  
  

Requirements

• Strong experience in PHP backend development, with deep expertise in Symfony framework
• Solid understanding of OOP principles, SOLID/GRASP, and software design patterns
• Experience designing and building RESTful APIs and working with Doctrine ORM
• Strong knowledge of PostgreSQL, including query optimization, indexing, and schema design
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes, including containerized application deployment
• Familiarity with distributed systems, microservices architecture, and scalable backend design
• Experience with testing frameworks such as PHPUnit, Codeception, or Behat
• Understanding of advanced architectural concepts such as CQRS, DDD, and Event Sourcing is highly valued
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and tools such as Jenkins
• Strong problem-solving skills, curiosity, and ability to work on complex technical challenges
• Nice to have: experience with large-scale fintech, payment systems, or high-load platforms
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package aligned with experience
• Fully remote work with flexible hours within CET time zone
• 19 days of flexible paid time off
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge fintech and payment infrastructure
• Strong engineering culture focused on quality, scalability, and innovation
• Access to conferences and professional community events
• Collaborative, supportive, and values-driven remote-first environment
• Clear architectural ownership and opportunity to influence technical direction
  
  

How Jobgether Works

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.