Senior Backend Engineer (C++ / PHP)

Berlin, BE, de Remote February 25, 2026 Contract

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:

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):

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