About the Role
The Backend PHP Developer is a core member of the engineering team responsible for building, maintaining, and scaling the server-side systems that power Smooth’s mobile and web applications. This includes developing robust APIs for mobile clients and integrating with third-party platforms—such as POS systems, payment gateways, and delivery providers—to support Smooth’s end-to-end QSR and retail solutions.
Responsibilities
- Builds and maintains scalable backend services using PHP (primarily Symfony), MySQL, and modern web technologies.
- Develops RESTful APIs to enable seamless front-end/backend interaction and platform integrations.
- Leads complex third-party integrations—such as Deliverect, POS systems, and payment providers—expanding our platform’s capabilities and client onboarding potential.
- Designs modular and testable code with performance, security, and scalability in mind.
- Regularly optimizes queries and improves backend efficiency in a high-volume, real-time environment.
- Participates in Agile/Scrum ceremonies, collaborates closely with Product, QA, and Front-End teams, and contributes to sprint planning, technical estimation, and ongoing product improvement.
- Provides architectural input, documents system behaviour, and helps enforce best practices around security, testing (Codeception, CI/CD), and DevOps (Docker, AWS, Ansible).
Requirements
- Minimum 6 years intermediate+ developer with proven backend expertise (PHP/Symfony, MySQL, APIs, integrations).
- Strong ability to take requirements, restate them clearly, and propose solution paths.
- Excellent communication skills and cultural fit are as important as technical ability.
- Ability to work through challenges proactively and think beyond just the immediate task.
- Willing to meet in person to collaborate.
- Experience working in small fast-paced environments.
Skills
- PHP 7/8
- Symfony
- MySQL
- Redis
- Ansible
- AWS
- RESTful services
- JSON-based communication
- Git
- CI/CD
- Jenkins
- Docker
- MVC
- SOLID
- DDD
- microservices
- event-driven design
- Authentication/authorization
- SQL injection mitigation
- XSS mitigation
- Codeception
Location
- Remote
- Canada-based Greater Toronto Area preferred
Work Type
- Full Time
Experience Level
- Minimum 6 years intermediate+
Salary/Compensations
- $80,000 annually
About the Company
- Smooth Commerce is a dynamic B2B SaaS platform specializing in first-party white-label web and application-based digital ordering, customer marketing, and loyalty systems.
- Our primary market is the restaurant technology sector in the United States and Canada.
- Our mission is to empower our clients to increase sales, transition transactions to more cost-effective platforms, and leverage data-driven insights for prosperity.
- We are committed to continuous innovation and collaboration to address the evolving digital requirements of our clientele.
