Company Overview  

With over 1,700 schools and more than 1 million users, Shkolo is Bulgaria's leading Management Information System (MIS) provider. Now a proud member of the Juniper Education group, Shkolo is expanding its products to over 16,000 schools worldwide. At Shkolo, we are revolutionizing education by leveraging cloud-based technology to enhance school efficiency, reduce teacher workload, and improve student outcomes. Our passionate team is dedicated to making a meaningful and lasting impact on education at every level.

Position Overview  

We are seeking an experienced Senior PHP Developer to join our team and lead the transformation of educational systems on a global scale. In this role, you will tackle high-impact technical challenges, provide strategic guidance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation. You will mentor junior and mid-level developers, oversee complex projects, and influence the technical direction of our solutions. This position offers substantial opportunities for leadership and professional growth, allowing you to shape the future of our products and make a significant difference in the education sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Architectural Design:Lead the design and architecture of complex web applications, ensuring scalability, performance, and maintainability.
• Advanced Development:Develop, enhance, and maintain both front-end and back-end components using PHP, modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React, Vue.js), HTML, and CSS.
• Technical Leadership:Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level developers, guiding best practices and fostering professional growth.
• Code Quality:Ensure high code quality through code reviews, implementing coding standards, and enforcing best practices for software development.
• Project Management:Oversee and contribute to project planning, estimation, and execution, ensuring timely delivery of features and alignment with business objectives.
• API Development and Integration:Design and implement robust APIs, integrate third-party services, and handle advanced API challenges to meet project requirements.
• Database Optimization:Manage and optimize database schemas, queries, and performance, ensuring efficient data handling and retrieval.
• Performance Tuning:Identify performance bottlenecks, conduct profiling, and implement optimizations to enhance application speed and reliability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:Collaborate with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Continuous Improvement:Stay updated with the latest technologies, tools, and industry trends, applying new knowledge to improve development processes and product offerings.
• Technical Documentation:Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including architectural diagrams, code comments, and development guidelines.
• Security:Implement and advocate for security best practices, ensuring the application is secure against vulnerabilities and threats.
• Problem Solving:Lead efforts to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues, ensuring high-quality solutions and minimal disruption to services.

Qualifications & Skills

Hard Requirements (Must-Have):

• Professional Experience:5-7 years of experience in full stack development, with a demonstrated track record of delivering complex web applications.
• Educational Background:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field. 
• PHP Expertise:Advanced proficiency in PHP, including extensive experience with PHP frameworks such as Laravel or Symfony.
• Front-End Skills:Strong experience with front-end technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern JavaScript frameworks or libraries (e.g., jQuery, React, Vue.js).
• Database Management:Extensive experience with MySQL or other relational databases, including complex query optimization and database design.
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):Deep understanding and practical application of OOP principles in software development.
• API Development and Integration:Proven experience in designing and implementing robust APIs and integrating with third-party services.
• Version Control:Expertise in using version control systems, particularly Git, and experience with branching strategies and collaborative workflows.
• Software Design Patterns:Strong knowledge of software design patterns and architectural principles for building scalable and maintainable applications.
• Performance Optimization:Skills in performance tuning and optimization for both server-side and client-side applications.
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD):Extensive experience with CI/CD pipelines and tools for automating the build, test, and deployment processes.
• Technical Leadership:Experience in mentoring junior and mid-level developers, providing technical guidance, and leading development teams.
• Communication Skills:Excellent written and verbal English language skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Project Management:Experience with project management methodologies and tools, and ability to contribute to project planning and execution.
• Proficiency in English:Minimum level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Hard Requirements (Bonus):

• Cloud Platforms:Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure, and experience with cloud-based deployments.
• DevOps Practices:Experience with advanced DevOps practices and tools, including containerization (e.g., Docker) and orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes).
• Advanced API Technologies:Knowledge of advanced API technologies such as GraphQL or gRPC.
• UI/UX Design:Understanding of UI/UX principles and experience working with design systems or tools like Figma or Adobe XD.
• Microservices Architecture:Experience with microservices architecture and patterns.
• Security Practices:Advanced knowledge of security best practices and experience implementing security measures in web applications.

Soft Requirements:

• Problem-Solving:Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to critically analyze data and its implications.
• Communication Skills:Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in an accessible and engaging way.
• Attention to Detail:High attention to detail, with strong command of written and spoken English.
• Collaboration:Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and foster a collaborative environment.
• Continuous Learning:A proactive approach to staying updated with advancements in data science, machine learning, and educational research.

What We Offer

• Hybrid Work Model:Enjoy a flexible work arrangement with 2 days in the office each week, following a comprehensive 3-months, 100% onsite onboarding period.
• Health Benefits:Additional health insurance coverage for your peace of mind.
• Wellness Perks:Access to a MultiSport card to support your fitness and well-being.
• Food Allowance:Receive food vouchers as part of your benefits package.
• Prime Location:Work in a centrally located office in Sofia, easily accessible by public transport.
• Paid Leave:Enjoy 25 days of paid leave annually, giving you ample time to spend with family and recharge.