Senior PHP DeveloperJob Description
Everything recruiters need to write, post, and fill a senior php developer role—fast.
Job Description Sample
Need a clear, ready-to-use job description? Copy, paste, and hire faster.
Job Title: Senior PHP Developer
Location: Remote/Hybrid
Type: Full-time
About the Role:
We're seeking an experienced Senior PHP Developer to architect and lead the development of enterprise-level web applications. This role combines hands-on coding with technical leadership responsibilities, including mentoring junior developers and making key architectural decisions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with modern PHP frameworks and a proven track record of delivering scalable web solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and maintenance of complex PHP applications using modern frameworks
- Design and implement database schemas, APIs, and integration solutions
- Conduct code reviews and provide technical guidance to team members
- Optimize application performance and implement security best practices
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define technical requirements
- Develop and maintain documentation for systems and processes
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues
- Implement automated testing and continuous integration practices
Perks:
- Competitive salary with performance bonuses
- Comprehensive health insurance and 401(k) matching
- Professional development budget
- Flexible remote work options
- Regular team events and learning sessions
Senior PHP Developer Responsibilities
Hiring a senior php developer? Here's what you can expect them to handle:
- Architect and develop scalable PHP applications using modern frameworks like Laravel and Symfony
- Lead technical planning sessions and contribute to product roadmap discussions
- Implement security best practices and maintain code quality standards
- Mentor junior developers and conduct knowledge sharing sessions
- Design and optimize database schemas and queries for performance
- Develop RESTful APIs and integrate third-party services
- Manage deployment processes and maintain production environments
- Collaborate with DevOps teams on infrastructure improvements
Qualifications to Be a Senior PHP Developer
Here's what a solid candidate typically brings to the table:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field5+ years of professional PHP development experienceStrong expertise in modern PHP frameworks (Laravel, Symfony)Proven experience leading technical teams and mentoring developersDeep understanding of object-oriented programming principlesSenior PHP Developer Prerequisites
Before you even think of hiring, make sure your candidates have:
Experience with microservices architecture and API developmentProficiency in version control systems (Git)Knowledge of security best practices and OWASP guidelinesExperience with automated testing and CI/CD pipelinesStrong problem-solving and analytical skillsSenior PHP Developer Hard Skills
The “must-haves” on every recruiter's checklist:
Programming Languages: PHP 7+/8+, JavaScript, PythonFrameworks: Laravel, Symfony, React/Vue.jsDatabases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, RedisAPI Development: REST, GraphQL, OAuthTesting: PHPUnit, Codeception, JestDevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, AWS/AzurePerformance Optimization: Caching, Query optimization, Load balancingSecurity: OWASP, Authentication/Authorization, Data encryptionSenior PHP Developer Soft Skills
Tech skills get them in the door—soft skills help them stick around.
Technical Leadership and Team MentoringProject Planning and EstimationClear Communication and DocumentationProblem-solving and Critical ThinkingStakeholder ManagementTime Management and PrioritizationAdaptability and Continuous LearningCross-functional CollaborationSenior PHP Developer Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 Years)
$65k – $85k
Common Titles
Junior Senior PHP Developer, Associate Senior PHP Developer
Mid Level (2-5 Years)
$85k – $125k
Common Titles
Senior PHP Developer, Senior PHP Developer II
Senior Level (5+ Years)
$125k – $190k
Common Titles
Senior Senior PHP Developer, Lead Senior PHP Developer
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Senior PHP Developer Hiring
A Senior PHP Developer specializes deeply in backend development with PHP, while a Full Stack Developer covers both frontend and backend but typically with less depth in each area. For complex PHP applications, a dedicated Senior PHP Developer is often more valuable.
Use a combination of code reviews, system design discussions, and practical coding exercises focused on real-world scenarios. Ask candidates to explain their approach to solving complex problems and assess their ability to make architectural decisions.
Core PHP knowledge should be prioritized as it indicates a deeper understanding of the language fundamentals. Strong framework knowledge is important but easier to acquire than solid core language expertise.
Watch for candidates who can't explain architectural decisions, lack knowledge of security best practices, or show resistance to code reviews and testing. Also be wary of those who haven't kept up with modern PHP developments.
Start with one senior developer who can help establish standards and architecture, then scale based on project complexity. One senior developer can typically effectively lead 3-4 junior/mid-level developers.
Tools and Programs Senior PHP Developer Use
Here's what their digital toolbox might look like:
Version Control
Git•GitHub
CI/CD
Jenkins•GitLab CI
Package Management
Composer•npm
Code Quality
PHPStan•PHPCS
Monitoring
New Relic•Datadog
Project Management
Jira•Confluence
Documentation
Swagger•PHPDoc
IDE/Editors
PHPStorm•VS Code
Job Description Examples
.NET Architect.NET DeveloperAI/ML EngineerAI/ML InternAndroid ArchitectAndroid DeveloperAndroid Developer InternAngular DeveloperAngular Developer InternApp ArchitectApp DeveloperApp Developer InternApp Development ManagerAzure ArchitectAzure EngineerAzure Engineer InternBackend ArchitectBackend EngineerBackend Engineer InternBusiness Analyst InternCloud ArchitectCloud EngineerCloud Engineer InternCloud Engineering ManagerCommunications EngineerCommunications Engineer InternComputer EngineerComputer Engineer InternComputer TechnicianComputer Technician InternCyber Security AnalystCyber Security ArchitectCyber Security InternCyber Security ManagerData ArchitectData EngineerData Engineering InternData Engineering ManagerDatabase Administration ManagerDatabase AdministratorDatabase Administrator InternDatabase ArchitectDesktop Support InternDesktop Support Manager
.NET Architect.NET DeveloperAI/ML EngineerAI/ML InternAndroid ArchitectAndroid DeveloperAndroid Developer InternAngular DeveloperAngular Developer InternApp ArchitectApp Developer
App Developer InternApp Development ManagerAzure ArchitectAzure EngineerAzure Engineer InternBackend ArchitectBackend EngineerBackend Engineer InternBusiness Analyst InternCloud ArchitectCloud Engineer
1of5
Page 1 of 5 • Showing 1-44 of 217 job titlesShowing 1-44 of 217 titles
Related Articles
