Experienced Backend Engineer (PHP/Laravel)
6 Month Full-Time Contract with potential switch to Permanent Role.
Company: JammJar
Location: Remote, with a minimum of 4 hours overlap with UK time zone working hours 09:00 - 18:00
Language: Must speak fluent English
About JammJar
JammJar is a fast-growing fintech startup focused on transforming the mortgage brokerage industry with AI-powered tools that automate administrative tasks and improve customer interactions. We are building a CRM platform that helps mortgage advisors streamline the mortgage application process, saving time and increasing efficiency. Our vision is to eliminate tedious paperwork and provide real-time, AI-driven insights for brokers, allowing them to better serve their clients.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Backend Engineer (PHP/Laravel) to take responsibility for the backend development of our platform. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience developing backend systems, with deep expertise in PHP and Laravel. As part of a small, highly collaborative team, you will be responsible for building and maintaining backend services, including API development, database management, queue management, and integrations with third-party AI services and local AI models.
You will have the opportunity to shape the backend architecture, help scale our platform as we grow, and play a crucial role in delivering a product that will be used by hundreds of mortgage brokers. We are looking for someone who is a problem-solver, self-motivated, and capable of taking ownership of their work from the ground up.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and optimization of backend services using PHP/Laravel, ensuring high performance and responsiveness.
- Design and develop APIs (REST or GraphQL) to interact with the frontend, external services, and AI models.
- Collaborate closely with the frontend development team (React/Next.js) to ensure smooth integration between the backend and frontend.
- Manage and optimize the MySQL database, and develop solutions for scaling, particularly around handling mortgage-related data and lending criteria.
- Implement and manage error tracking and alerting systems using Sentry.
- Set up and manage queue systems for tasks like document processing and PDF generation.
- Work with infrastructure based on Kubernetes, hosted on AWS, and use Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles to manage deployments.
- Develop strategies for integrating third-party AI services and local AI models for real-time mortgage analysis and processing.
- Collaborate with the team to continuously improve the platform’s architecture, scalability, and performance.
- Ensure the system adheres to security standards, particularly around handling sensitive mortgage and personal data (GDPR compliance).
Minimum Requirements
- 5+ years of experience as a Backend Engineer, with a strong focus on PHP/Laravel.
- Proven track record of developing scalable backend services from the ground up.
- Strong knowledge of MySQL and database management.
- Experience with API development (REST or GraphQL) and generating API documentation.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a positive, collaborative attitude.
Nice to Have
- Experience with third-party AI services and developing local AI models.
- Experience developing or integrating CRM systems.
- Startup experience or having worked in a fast-paced, product-driven environment.
What We Offer
- Remote Work: Work from anywhere with a flexible schedule that overlaps with the UK.
- Ownership: Take full responsibility for your backend work and contribute to key decision-making processes.
- Share Options: The opportunity to be among the first hires in a funded, exciting startup, with access to share options.
- Collaborative Team: Work closely with a highly skilled and motivated team, driving innovation in B2B SaaS/fintech.
- Growth Opportunities: As the platform scales, there will be opportunities to take on leadership and architectural roles within the team.
How to Apply
Submit your application to
[email protected] including your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you're excited to work with JammJar.