Backend PHP Developer
About Smooth Commerce:
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.
Timeframe: Full Time
Salary: $80,000 annually
Location: Remote, Canada-based Greater Toronto Area preferred
Reporting To: Platform Architect and AI Architect
Level of Experience: Minimum 6 years intermediate+
Willing to meet in person to collaborate, strong verbal and written communication skills, experience working in small fast-paced environments.
Role Summary:
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.
Key Responsibilities
- API & Backend Development
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. - Platform Integrations
Leads complex third-party integrations—such as Deliverect, POS systems, and
payment providers—expanding our platform’s capabilities and client onboarding potential.
- System Architecture & Optimization
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. - Agile Collaboration & Delivery
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. - Mentorship & Documentation
Provides architectural input, documents system behaviour, and helps enforce best practices around security, testing (Codeception, CI/CD), and DevOps (Docker, AWS, Ansible).
Technical Stack & Expertise
- Languages & Frameworks: PHP 7/8, (Symfony),
- Databases: MySQL, Redis
- Dev-ops: Experience with deployments using Ansible or similar, knowledge and experience using AWS services, optimizing web servers and MySQL
- API: RESTful services, JSON-based communication
- DevOps & Tools: Git, CI/CD, Jenkins, Docker, Ansible
- Architecture & Patterns: MVC, SOLID, DDD, microservices, event-driven design
- Security: Authentication/authorization, SQL injection and XSS mitigation
Additional Requirements
In addition to the technical stack outlined above, the successful candidate must demonstrate:
- Experience Level: Minimum 6 years intermediate+ developer with proven backend expertise (PHP/Symfony, MySQL, APIs, integrations).
- Soft Skills & Comprehension: Strong ability to take requirements, restate them clearly, and propose solution paths. Excellent communication skills and cultural fit are as important as technical ability.
- Independence & Problem Solving: Ability to work through challenges proactively and think beyond just the immediate task.
Why It Matters to Product
The Backend Developer is a critical bridge between Product strategy and platform execution. They translate user and client needs into backend solutions that scale, integrate, and perform reliably. Their expertise is crucial in:
- Evaluating the feasibility of product features or integrations.
- Mitigating risks related to technical debt, security, or performance.
- Accelerating time-to-market by delivering stable APIs and backend features aligned with roadmap priorities.
