Principal - Backend Engineer

Tech Stack: PHP, Node.js, MySQL, MongoDB

Reports To: Chief Technology Officer, CTO

Job Description (JD)

As a Principal Backend Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting and guiding the development of robust, scalable, and secure backend systems. You’ll play a strategic role in technical decision-making, mentor engineering teams, work closely with product and client-facing stakeholders, and drive adoption of modern technologies including AI/ML where relevant.

Key Responsibilities

Backend Architecture & Development

• Own and evolve backend architecture across PHP (CodeIgniter/Laravel), Node.js services.
• Design and review scalable systems using microservices or modular monoliths.
• Manage integration across relational (MySQL) and non-relational (MongoDB) databases with optimal indexing, performance, and data modeling.

Technical Leadership

• Lead design reviews, code quality checks, and establish backend development standards.
• Guide mid/senior engineers on best practices, CI/CD pipelines, and testing frameworks.
• Make critical decisions on refactoring legacy systems and modernizing platforms.

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Act as a technical point of contact for clients for backend architecture and integrations.
• Translate client/product needs into technical execution plans and communicate trade-offs.
• Present PoCs or explain complex backend workflows to non-technical stakeholders.

AI & ML Integration (Optional/Strategic)

• Identify potential areas in backend or client systems to leverage AI (e.g., personalization, recommendations, fraud detection, data cleaning).
• Collaborate with data teams to design backend APIs or cron jobs that interact with AI models.
• Stay updated with practical AI APIs, tools (e.g., OpenAI, Langchain), and their integration points.

Scalability, Security & Performance

• Perform regular audits on security, API rate-limiting, and role-based access.
• Optimize performance using caching, query optimization, job queues, etc.
• Plan for horizontal/vertical scaling on cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, etc.).

Who Are You?

• You have 8+ years of backend experience with PHP and/or Node.js and are fluent in database design.
• You've led system design, code reviews, and have mentored other engineers.
• You can explain technical trade-offs to clients and help them make informed decisions.
• You're proactive in identifying scaling bottlenecks and improving system resilience.
• Bonus: You’ve experimented with AI APIs, understand their practical applications, and are excited about integrating them smartly.

Why Join Us?

• Work on high-impact systems used by thousands of users.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across product, design, data, and more.
• Freedom to architect, experiment, and innovate without red tape.
• Competitive salary, flexible work culture, and a collaborative environment.