Senior PHP Backend developer

Senior Backend PHP/Laravel + Vue.js

About the role

We are supporting an international partner in the Workforce Management/Payroll domain, focused on modernising payment systems and ensuring compliance with complex HR regulations. We are looking for a Software Development Engineer (PHP) to join a backend‑focused team in Portugal, dedicated to the migration and modernisation of a legacy payment system to a Dutch technology platform.

This is a 100% backend role, with a strong focus on code quality, testing, performance and robustness, in a demanding international environment.

What you will do

• Develop and maintain backend features using PHP, working with Symfony or Laravel.
• Take part in the modernisation and migration of a legacy payment system to a new platform.
• Design and implement robust, well‑tested REST APIs.
• Work with MariaDB (or equivalent, such as MySQL) and NoSQL databases.
• Ensure high code quality through unit tests (PHPUnit) and integration tests.
• Use Docker and contribute to improving CI/CD processes.
• Collaborate with international teams, mainly in the Netherlands, in an English‑speaking environment.

What we are looking for

Must-have:

• Professional experience as a Backend PHP Developer (medior+ / almost senior).
• Strong experience in PHP, with Symfony or Laravel in production environments.
• Experience with MariaDB (or MySQL) and exposure to NoSQL databases.
• Hands-on experience with REST APIs and Docker.
• Strong focus on unit and integration testing (PHPUnit or similar).
• Knowledge of CI/CD concepts and tools (even at an intermediate level – it will be addressed in the technical interview).
• Advanced/fluent English (B2+), as the technical interview (~1h30) will be fully conducted in English.

Nice to have:

• Experience in payments, Payroll or Workforce Management domains.
• Experience with modernisation/migration of legacy systems.
• Experience in consulting or demanding international environments.

Location & work model

• Team based in Portugal (around 4 people dedicated to this project).
• Hybrid/remote model, connected to an office in Portugal (Porto/Braga/Aveiro), depending on your location and company policy.

What we offer

• Participation in a business‑critical modernisation project, with strong focus on best practices, testing and robustness.
• Integration into a specialised backend team, with room for knowledge sharing and deep technical growth.
• International environment with teams and clients in the Netherlands, ideal to consolidate your technical English and soft skills.
• Opportunities to grow in backend architecture, code quality and software engineering excellence.