Senior Backend Engineer

Summary

Join Xentral and drive the future of their API as a Senior Backend Engineer. You will play a key role in evolving API services, owning architectural decisions, modernizing legacy systems, and supporting product teams. Responsibilities include designing, developing, and maintaining core RESTful APIs using PHP (Laravel), taking ownership of architectural guidelines, and driving the reduction of technical debt. You will collaborate with product managers and engineers, ensuring scalable and maintainable solutions. The role requires a strong architectural mindset, experience with legacy codebases, and excellent communication skills. Xentral offers a flexible work environment, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive culture.

Requirements

• You bring +5 years of experience as a backend engineer working on larger applications or platforms
• You have deep knowledge of PHP, ideally with modern frameworks like Laravel; Go experience is a plus
• You have deep knowledge of REST API design, authentication and security, JSON, OpenAPI and common API standards
• You’re experienced in handling legacy codebases and enjoy modernizing and improving them
• You have a strong architectural mindset and are comfortable advising teams on technical best practices
• You work independently, take ownership, and proactively drive solutions forward
• You’re a great communicator and thrive in cross-team collaboration
• You have high standards for code quality, reliability, and maintainability
• You speak fluent English; German is a plus

Responsibilities

• You design, develop, and maintain core RESTful APIs using PHP (Laravel)
• You take ownership of architectural guidelines and support product teams on API design, implementation and performance optimization
• You actively drive the reduction of technical debt and the modernization of legacy components
• You collaborate closely with PMs (especially from the API team) and engineers across teams to ensure scalable, maintainable solutions
• You contribute to Xentral’s ever-evolving cloud platform, hosted in AWS, and stay open to working with API topics across teams
• You foster a culture of quality through code reviews, testing, and shared technical standards
• You ensure that reliability, scalability, and performance are at the core of every solution

Benefits

• Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy remote work options across Europe or from our office-hubs in Augsburg, Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, and Lohne (Oldenburg), along with flexible working hours
• Competitive Compensation & Comprehensive Benefits: Attractive salary packages and a generous leave policy that includes 28 annual leave days, special leave days, and nursing care days. Our comprehensive benefits package also provides a monthly voucher to choose from a variety of providers, including Urban Sports Club, grocery stores, entertainment, and lifestyle options. Additionally, we equip all employees with state-of-the-art home office equipment and offer a 50% subsidy on private pension plans for permanent employees in Germany
• Professional Growth & Development: Benefit from a significant budget dedicated to learning and personal development, supporting your career growth and continuous learning
• Inclusive & Engaging Culture: Participate in virtual and in-person company events and in our yearly culture connect days, fostering a collaborative and vibrant company culture with minimal hierarchies and respectful communication
• Diverse & International Team: Work alongside a multicultural and international team across 17 different work locations within Europe and 32 nationalities, embracing diversity and a global perspective
• Mental Health & Well-being: Access comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care with 24/7 counseling, therapy placement, on-site support, and legal and financial guidance to help you thrive at work and in life