Backend PHP Developer

We are looking for a highly skilled and analytical Mid-to-Senior Backend PHP Developer to join our engineering team on a mission-critical project: revolutionary optimization of our high-traffic e-commerce platform’s database architecture and API layer.

Our digital platform operates in a high-stakes, ultra-fast-paced retail environment driven by exclusive, limited-edition product releases ("drops"). During these peak traffic windows, the platform experiences sudden, massive surges in concurrent user activity. We need a brilliant backend engineer to build an incredibly resilient, bulletproof digital ecosystem capable of handling immense concurrent request volumes, eliminating database bottlenecks, preventing race conditions, and delivering a completely seamless, lightning-fast checkout experience for our global customer base.

Scope of Work & Core Responsibilities

Advanced Database Tuning & Query Optimization:

Conduct deep-dive profiling of complex MySQL queries, identifying and resolving hidden bottlenecks within the database layer.

Architect and implement highly efficient indexing strategies, schema refactoring, and data-caching mechanisms tailored specifically for intensive inventory management and real-time stock allocation.

High-Performance API Layer Refactoring:

Overhaul and streamline our REST and GraphQL API endpoints to drastically reduce Time to First Byte (TTFB).

Optimize data serialization, minimize payload sizes, and implement intelligent caching layers to maintain peak responsiveness under heavy server loads.

Scalable Queue Management & Asynchronous Processing:

Fine-tune and scale our Redis-backed queue systems and background workers.

Ensure ultra-reliable, asynchronous execution of resource-heavy, mission-critical tasks such as instant order confirmations, payment webhooks, and real-time cross-channel stock synchronization.

Concurrency Handling & Bulletproof Inventory Logic:

Design, test, and implement robust transactional logic and locking mechanisms (pessimistic/optimistic locking) to eliminate race conditions entirely.

Secure the core checkout flow to guarantee zero overselling, maintaining 100% data integrity even when thousands of users attempt to purchase the exact same inventory item simultaneously.

System Diagnostics & Monitoring:

Utilize advanced profiling and application monitoring tools to proactively detect performance degradation before it impacts the end-user.

Technical Requirements & Qualifications

Backend Expertise: Deep, production-proven proficiency in PHP 8.x and modern clean-code architecture. Strong hands-on experience with robust frameworks (such as Laravel) or deep-level custom WooCommerce backend engineering (developing custom hooks, overriding core behavior efficiently, and building custom REST API endpoints).

Database Mastery: Advanced, non-trivial knowledge of MySQL/MariaDB. You must thoroughly understand indexing strategies, query execution plans, transaction isolation levels, and how to prevent database deadlocks under extreme load.

Caching & Asynchronous Architecture: Practical, real-world experience working with Redis or Memcached for complex caching patterns, session management, and distributing heavy job queues.

High-Concurrency Paradigm: Solid understanding of how web servers, PHP-FPM, and databases behave under high concurrent loads, with proven strategies for mitigating race conditions.

Tooling & Best Practices: Familiarity with Git workflows, profiling tools (e.g., Blackfire, New Relic, or Xdebug), and a passion for writing clean, maintainable, and well-documented code.