Senior Backend Engineer (C++ / PHP)

An enterprise client is hiring an exceptionally strong Backend Engineer with deep expertise in C++ and PHP to join a small, senior, fully remote engineering team. This is a high-trust, high-ownership environment with minimal process, no standups, and no sprint ceremonies.

This role is intentionally designed for engineers who thrive with autonomy, clear ownership, and written communication. You will be highly visible, highly trusted, and expected to operate independently from day one.

As part of our high-vetting process, all shortlisted candidates will complete a paid C++ and PHP technical challenge before moving forward.

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

• Designing, building, and maintaining backend systems using C++ and PHP as primary technologies
• Owning features and systems end-to-end, from architecture through production delivery
• Solving complex technical problems independently and proactively
• Providing daily written updates on progress, decisions, and blockers
• Actively participating in technical and product discussions via Slack in a chat-driven environment
• Collaborating with a small, senior team in a fully asynchronous operating model

Technical Requirements (Non-Negotiable):

• Expert-level proficiency in both C++ and PHP
• Clear commitment to C++ and PHP as long-term backend technologies (not stepping stones)
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, validated through a paid C++ and PHP technical challenge
• Strong backend systems thinking (performance, reliability, maintainability)
• SQL experience is a plus, but not required

Communication & Collaboration Expectations:

• Extremely strong English proficiency, including nuance, tact, and professional judgment
• Comfortable being highly visible and highly active in written discussions
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely in a fully asynchronous, Slack-based environment
• Proactive in surfacing risks, questions, and recommendations without being prompted

Work Style & Autonomy:

• Thrives without traditional management, standups, or sprint structures
• Strong self-management, ownership mentality, and bias toward action
• Able to operate effectively in a flat, non-hierarchical organization
• Comfortable making decisions independently and being accountable for outcomes

Time Zone & Availability:

• Must have at least 6 hours of daily overlap with: US Pacific Time (PT) or Central European Time (CET)
• Time zone overlap is especially critical during the first 3 months for onboarding and alignment

Hardware Requirements (Strict):

• MacBook with Apple Silicon (M1 or newer)
• Minimum 36GB RAM (64GB+ strongly preferred)
• Latest version of macOS installed prior to start date

• Selected candidates will be asked to complete a paid C++ and PHP technical challenge.
• The challenge is expected to take about 10 hours to complete and will be compensated at a flat rate of $500.
• Performance in the challenge will be used to evaluate problem-solving ability, code quality, and communication clarity