Senior Backend Web Developer

Job Overview:

Folklore is seeking a talented and motivated developer with 10+ years of backend web development experience who can also function as a technical lead on projects. This individual will have a proven track record that demonstrates a strong understanding of backend architecture to include server management, API development, CMS development, and 3rd-party integrations. They will also have the ability to guide a project's technical direction, coordinate development workflows, and help capture technical requirements with clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical lead on assigned projects, owning backend architecture, technical decisions, and overall solution design.
• Translate business requirements into technical requirements, architectural diagrams, and development tasks.
• Proactively identify technical risks and propose mitigation strategies before they impact timeline or quality.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on the project's backend solution, answering questions around architecture, integrations, and technology decisions.
• Develop or extend existing CMS frameworks (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Craft).
• Work with front-end developers to ensure seamless CMS integration for dynamic content delivery.
• Work with front-end developers, designers, and project managers to deliver complete solutions and ensure all technical requirements are met.
• Configure, maintain, and optimize server environments for development as well as production facing websites.
• Monitor server performance, handle troubleshooting, and scale server architecture as necessary.
• Design, develop, and maintain custom API implementations for internal and external services.
• Integrate third-party APIs to extend the functionality of existing platforms.
• Implement custom CMS based plugins or extend existing CMS functionality depending on the project needs.
• Design, develop, and optimize relational (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB) and non-relational (e.g., MongoDB) databases.
• Ensure database security, backup, and disaster recovery requirements are met.
• Troubleshoot and debug back-end issues and optimize application performance.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to best coding practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience as a Backend Web Developer or similar role.
• Excellent communication skills, especially around articulating technical decisions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage technical complexity and lead development delivery across multiple contributors.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a technical lead or senior engineer overseeing end-to-end delivery
• Proven experience with multiple and varying technology stacks and a never ending desire to expand and dive into the unknown.
• Strong understanding of middleware solutions and their appropriate applications.
• Strong proficiency in server-side languages such as PHP, , C# and Java.
• Experience with server management tools and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Expertise in building and consuming RESTful/GraphQL/RPC/OData APIs.
• Experience with popular CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, Craft, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Redis).
• Understanding of web security best practices (SSL, encryption, authentication methods).
• Proficiency with GIT version control.
• Experience with DevOps tools and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong desire to learn new technologies and platforms to best serve project requirements.

Benefits and perks:

• Health Benefits: 100% paid medical premiums for employees, 50% paid for dependents
• Optional employee-paid vision and dental plans
• Vacation: flexible PTO pending manager approval and responsible usage
• 80 hours of Sick and Safe Time
• 401k + 3% guaranteed employer contribution: eligible after 3 months of employment
• Paid parental leave
• Summer Fridays (½ day Fridays between Memorial and Labor Day)

Folklore is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.