Backend PHP Engineer

About Airalo and Role Overview

Airalo is revolutionizing travel connectivity as the world's first eSIM store, serving over 30 million users globally with affordable mobile data access in more than 200 countries. Our team comprises 400+ individuals spanning over 60 nations, united by values of trust, ownership, and autonomous, efficient work culture without unnecessary bureaucracy. We operate fully remotely and seek a skilled Backend Engineer proficient in PHP to join our global engineering team.

Location and Employment Details

• Remote role for candidates based in Spain or the UK
• Contract type: permanent and full-time
• Spain hires via contractual arrangements (Deel)
• Primary communication language is English

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain robust backend services to support high-traffic global applications
• Develop well-functioning APIs and optimize database queries for superior user experience
• Enhance modular and service-oriented architecture to increase system resilience
• Write clean and maintainable code applying SOLID principles, OOP, and design patterns
• Efficiently debug and resolve issues across the technology stack
• Implement asynchronous workflows via queue management and event-driven design
• Collaborate with senior engineers and product teams to convert requirements into technical solutions

Qualifications and Experience

• 3 to 5 years of professional backend development experience focused on PHP
• Solid experience with Laravel or a strong Symfony background eager to transition to Laravel
• Strong grasp of object-oriented programming, interfaces, and modular coding best practices
• Good knowledge of SQL databases including indexing, migrations, and query optimization
• Competence using AI tools to enhance software development, including prompt engineering and iterative validations
• Experience with Docker and basic understanding of CI/CD pipelines
• Proficient in writing unit and feature tests to guarantee code reliability
• Fluency in English for smooth communication within remote, distributed teams

Preferred Additional Skills

• Knowledge of caching solutions such as Redis and Memcached
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, especially AWS
• Background in SaaS or travel technology sectors
• Hands-on or awareness of eSIM and GSMA technologies
• Interest in distributed systems and scaling architectures horizontally

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: £74,800 to £107,500 annually, aligned with location-based equity principles applicable across Europe. Candidates must reside and be eligible to work within the UK.

Work Culture and Additional Info

Airalo values autonomy, transparency, and meaningful impact for each team member. Our remote setup encourages a balanced work-life environment, trust, and ownership. New hires start without immediate on-call responsibilities, with a paid rotation system and guaranteed rest periods to mitigate fatigue.

On-Call Expectations

• Participation in our 24/7 on-call rotation is required to maintain service reliability
• Compensation includes standby fees and overtime pay
• Initial 6-month delay before on-call duties
• Well-being measures include rest and recovery periods post night shifts
• Rotations are structured between weekdays and weekends for workload balance

Legal and Hiring Policies

Successful applicants may undergo background checks with their consent, respecting privacy and relevant laws. Airalo promotes diversity, inclusivity, and reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. We incorporate AI tools responsibly in recruitment, ensuring human decision-making prevails.