Backend Developer - PHP

Pepperstone is a leading global forex and CFD broker, headquartered in Melbourne and operating across multiple international markets. Pepperstone's engineering teams build the systems, APIs, and integrations that underpin a high-volume global trading platform. Reliability, performance, and security are non-negotiable — and the backend is where that foundation is built. About The Role We are looking for a mid-level Backend Developer with strong PHP experience to join a team that builds and maintains the server-side systems powering Pepperstone's platform. You will be designing and developing APIs, managing data, and ensuring the backend runs reliably at scale. This is a focused backend role — you will not be expected to own the front end, but you will be expected to deeply understand the systems you build and take full ownership of their quality and performance. What You Will Be Doing Designing, building, and maintaining RESTful APIs and backend services in PHPWriting efficient, scalable, and secure server-side logic that supports a high-volume financial platformWorking with relational databases to design schemas, write complex queries, and optimise performanceIntegrating with third-party services, payment systems, data providers, and internal APIsCollaborating with front-end engineers to ensure seamless integration between systemsParticipating in code reviews and upholding backend engineering standards across the teamIdentifying and resolving performance bottlenecks, bugs, and security vulnerabilitiesContributing to technical documentation and ensuring codebases are maintainable and well-structured What You Bring Essential 3 to 5 years of backend development experience with a strong PHP focusDeep understanding of RESTful API design principles and best practicesSolid experience with relational databases — MySQL, PostgreSQL, or similar — including schema design and query optimisationStrong grasp of security fundamentals relevant to backend systems — authentication, authorisation, data handling, and input validationExperience working with Git in a team development environmentAbility to write clean, efficient, and well-tested codeStrong analytical and debugging skills with a systematic approach to problem solving Advantageous Experience in fintech, trading, or regulated financial services environmentsFamiliarity with microservices architecture or event-driven systemsExposure to cloud infrastructure such as AWS, GCP, or AzureExperience with message queuing systems such as RabbitMQ or KafkaKnowledge of caching strategies using Redis or MemcachedFamiliarity with CI/CD pipelines and containerisation tools such as Docker Working Arrangement Fully remote, work from home. Time zone alignment requirements will be confirmed during onboarding.