Backend PHP Developer

Backend PHP Developer — CapsLock
CapsLock builds marketing solutions for large IT partners across North America. The platform we're building powers high-quality service delivery in a bunch of different industries, and right now we need someone solid on the backend to help carry that forward.
A bit about the role
We're looking for a Backend PHP Developer who can jump into our current projects and also help shape new ones from scratch. This isn't a "just write the tickets" kind of job — you'll have a say in architecture decisions, not just implementation. The team here has deep technical roots and likes mentoring, so if you're looking to sharpen your skills (and maybe teach us a thing or two), you'll fit in fine.
What the job actually involves
Researching, designing and building software, then sticking around to keep it healthy. Trying out new tools and approaches and being honest about what's actually worth keeping. Finding the weak spots in existing programs and fixing them properly, not just patching over them. Writing code that's clean and actually does what the spec says. Wiring up third-party tools and getting different components to talk to each other. Having an opinion on whether something is realistic to build, not just whether it sounds good on paper. Building QA processes so problems get caught before users find them. Rolling out new tools, workflows, and ways to measure how things are going. Keeping older systems running and up to date (not glamorous, but necessary). Testing and shipping code you can stand behind. Pushing improvements through, start to finish. Writing docs that someone other than you would actually want to read. Working closely with other devs, designers, and analysts — this is a team sport.
What we need from you
3+ years actually writing PHP professionally. Solid understanding of OOP, design patterns, layered architecture — not just buzzwords. Comfortable with PHP 7.4+. Real Symfony experience. Strong SQL chops, MySQL and/or PostgreSQL. Some experience designing architecture yourself, not just following someone else's blueprint. Git, and you know your way around a Git-based workflow. Conversational English. Strong written communication — we're remote-first, so a lot of how we work together happens in writing, and this one matters more than people expect.
Bonus points if you have
A proactive streak — you spot problems and just go fix them. A positive attitude and a bit of an entrepreneurial mindset. Some frontend experience. TDD or DDD under your belt. Comfort with Docker, *nix systems, shell scripting.
Why CapsLock
Pay is fair and competitive, but here's the rest of it too. Remote, for real — work from wherever gets you in the zone. Paid time off to rest, travel, or do absolutely nothing, no judgment. Learning support — courses, workshops, conferences, certifications, if it helps you grow, we're in. Home office covered, equipment and furniture included. Staying active however you like — gym, yoga, home workout gear, even a bike. Unlimited sick days, recover properly, we'll still be here. Medical coverage with reimbursement for insurance and health costs, dental and mental health included, for you and your family. Co-working space covered when you need a different desk. And gaming nights, fitness challenges, and annual retreats somewhere nice, because we make time for that, not just deadlines.