Senior Software Engineer

Summary

Join Xentral's Platform team as a Senior Software Engineer and help build the foundation of their SaaS platform. You will work on critical services such as authentication, communication, payments, and security, tackling challenges like technical debt and scaling microservices. This role involves developing and maintaining backend systems using PHP (Laravel), improving system performance, writing automated tests, and modernizing outdated systems. You will collaborate with engineers, QA, and product teams to design solutions that prioritize customer experience and business impact. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in backend systems development using PHP and Laravel, is skilled in test automation, and is comfortable working with legacy systems. Xentral offers a flexible work environment, competitive compensation and benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive culture.

Requirements

• Bring 5+ years of experience building backend systems in PHP and Laravel, ideally in complex, performance-sensitive environments
• Be skilled in test automation and quality engineering, with hands-on experience using PHP Unit, Behat, and a willingness to collaborate on Playwright-based UI testing
• Be comfortable improving and refactoring legacy systems, and take pride in making slow, outdated applications performant and maintainable
• Have experience with or are open to learning Golang
• Think beyond the code—understanding how your technical decisions influence the product, the customer journey, and long-term business goals

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backend systems using PHP (Laravel), taking ownership of critical domains like authentication, email, CRM, and API security
• Improve system performance by identifying bottlenecks across our monolith and microservices, with a deep focus on stability and scalability
• Write and maintain automated tests (PHP Unit, Behat) and support QA in Playwright test integration to ensure platform-wide quality and confidence
• Modernize outdated systems—including legacy PHP, Vanilla JavaScript, and jQuery—while steadily reducing technical debt with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach
• Zoom out to design solutions that prioritize customer experience and business impact, collaborating closely with engineers, QA, and product teams

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with TypeScript, React, or Vite is a plus

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