EMPIRE is looking for a Lead Backend Engineer to own the architecture, development, and scaling of backend systems that power their music content management platforms, serving artists, labels, distributors, and DSPs, requiring high reliability, flexibility, and integration with industry-standard workflows.
Requirements
- Strong hands-on experience with PHP (vanilla and Laravel), MySQL/PostgreSQL, and API design.
- Expertise in designing and scaling content management applications, large-scale backend services, and media processing systems.
- Experience building and integrating RESTful APIs (GraphQL a plus).
- Proficiency in automated testing frameworks for backend systems (e.g., PHPUnit, Pest).
- Strong grounding in performance optimization, caching strategies, and database profiling.
- Proven track record in data modeling, database design, and schema optimization.
- Knowledge of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform).
Responsibilities
- Own the architecture, design, and implementation* of robust, scalable backend systems and APIs that support our music content management and distribution systems.
- Build scalable, secure, and maintainable backend code* using PHP (vanilla + Laravel).
- Drive backend performance, availability, and resilience* across core applications.
- Establish and enforce best practices* in code quality, testing, database design, and deployment.
- Mentor and guide backend engineers*, providing technical direction and career growth support.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product, frontend, and media operations teams* to deliver seamless, integrated solutions.
- Lead evaluation and adoption* of backend frameworks, libraries, and infrastructure tooling
Other
- 5+ years of professional backend engineering experience, including at least 2+ years leading PHP/Laravel development efforts.
- Proven ability to lead and mentor technical teams.
- Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills in cross-functional environments.
- Comfortable context switching between legacy code and newer codebases.
- Familiarity with modern music industry workflows and standards (royalties, rights management, metadata, DSP delivery).
