Backend Engineer (Node.js / PHP)

Flutter Entertainment — Sofia, Bulgaria

Job title: Backend Engineer (Node.js / PHP)

Location: Sofia

Overview of the role:

We are looking for a skilled Backend Developer with experience in Node.js or PHP (Laravel) to join our team. You will work on building and maintaining scalable backend applications and services, contributing to a robust and high-performance infrastructure that powers a seamless user experience across our platforms.

You will develop backend services in Node.js and support/improve existing PHP/Laravel (Nova) systems as needed . You’ll collaborate closely with other engineers, participate in technical discussions, and help evolve our backend architecture and standard processes. You will own the performance and stability of mobile backend services: ensure all APIs operate efficiently, proactively identify and resolve issues, drive rapid incident resolution, and be accountable for service reliability, uptime, and seamless integration with mobile applications.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys clean, maintainable code, API design, and continuous improvement. Experience with distributed systems, microservices, state management, and performance optimization is highly valued. Familiarity with cloud technologies, message brokers (e.g., Kafka), and caching systems (e.g., Redis) is a strong advantage.

This role follows a hybrid approach to working, allowing you to combine working from home with working in our modern offices. These discussions are between you and your manager to find the best pattern for you both, while recognising that quality time together is essential for keeping us mission-aligned.

Our teams work from a lively location nestled within this historic city. Enjoy the best of both worlds with winter and summer offices, tantalizing free snacks and a gaming paradise for endless entertainment.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and maintain scalable backend services and APIs using Node.js and PHP/Laravel (Nova)

• Collaborate with mainly mobile developers, DevOps engineers, product owners, and other stakeholders to deliver robust and secure backend solutions

• Participate in technical design discussions and continuously improve backend architecture and performance

• Design and implement RESTful APIs and integrations, including real-time features (e.g., WebSockets) when needed

• Integrate with databases (SQL and NoSQL), message brokers, third-party services, and external APIs

• Write clean, reusable, and testable code, Unit tests and help maintain high standards for code quality through reviews

• Debug and optimize backend systems for performance, scalability, and security

• Maintain user documentation and API guidelines

• Perform related duties as assigned

What you’ll bring:

• Proven professional software engineering experience, with strong hands-on in backend development

• 2+ years of backend experience in either Node.js (typescript) or PHP (Laravel; Laravel is a plus)

• Solid experience designing and integrating RESTful APIs (SOAP exposure is a plus).

• Strong grasp of backend architecture, scalability, microservices, and API security best practices

• Proficiency with Git and collaborative workflows (GitHub/GitLab); familiarity with Agile processes

• Experience with testing (unit, integration, end-to-end) using tools such as Jest, Mocha, Supertest, or equivalents

• Experience with cloud platforms (preferably AWS; GCP/Azure also valued)

• Experience optimizing backends for scalability, maintainability, and performance

• Understanding of authentication and authorization mechanisms (OAuth2, JWT, OpenID Connect)

• Knowledge of relational (PostgreSQL, MySQL)

• Proficient with Git and collaborative Git-based workflows. Experience with monorepo setups is a plus

• Understanding of security principles for web and API development (e.g., OWASP Top Ten)

• Proficient in written and verbal English communication

Nice to have:

• Good grasp of microservices, distributed systems, and asynchronous processing (queues; Kafka/RabbitMQ)

• Non-relational (MongoDB, Redis) databases

• Familiarity with infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation) is a plus

It’s ok if you don’t think you tick every box on this list. We love people who want to challenge themselves and are passionate about what they do. If you believe you can contribute in some areas and are eager to learn, we encourage you to apply.

Why choose us:

Aside from a generous base salary, we have a fantastic benefits & rewards program that is designed to encourage personal and career development.

• Discretionary annual performance bonus

• 30 days paid leave

• Health and Dental Insurance for you, your partner and your children (if you all live at the same address)

• Personal life insurance and disability coverage

• Wellbeing fund

• Continuous learning support for certifications and career growth

• 26 weeks primary carer leave at 100% pay & 4 weeks secondary carer leave pay at 100% pay, no eligibility period applies

• A sports’ card membership valid across the country

• Discounts as a compliment form us among different services

• Monthly food vouchers

Equal opportunities:

At Flutter International we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where our people can be their authentic selves and thrive. We embrace and celebrate diversity, respecting all our uniqueness and differences.

We welcome you to let us know whether you have any accessibility needs. All you need to do is email us at talent@flutterint.com. Your journey with us is focused on ensuring you have what you need to be your best self.

Learn more about the works we are doing on Inclusion and Belonging here: https://careers.flutterinternational.com/working-at-flutter-international/diversity-equity-inclusion/

The group:

Flutter CEE is a proud member of the Flutter Entertainment family, a global leader in sports betting, iGaming, and entertainment. We're not just another company; we're listed on both the prestigious FTSE 100 index on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). What sets us apart is our world class brands, cutting-edge products, and our International division includes our operations in over 100 global markets and offers sports betting, casino, poker, rummy and lottery, mainly online. What truly defines us is our commitment to ensuring that the excitement of gaming and entertainment is experienced in a responsible and sustainable way. Our remarkable team of over 8,000 colleagues drives this vision, spread across 28 offices worldwide.