Product Engineer – Backend

Hello Chef; Dubai; On-site; AED 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hello Chef is seeking a backend product engineer to enhance and maintain their robust backend systems that power various functions from recipe development to last-mile delivery. This role emphasizes ownership, collaboration across teams, and the use of modern tools to deliver impactful solutions in a high-growth environment.

Benefits

Market-competitive compensation with biannual performance reviews

22 days annual leave and annual flight allowance

Premium medical coverage, including mental health support

50% discount on Hello Chef products

High-feedback, high-growth culture

Qualifications

• 3+ years building backend systems using PHP, MySQL, Docker, Kubernetes.
• Experience deploying to cloud environments like AWS.
• Strong collaboration skills and product-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Build, test, and ship clean, maintainable code that aligns with product goals.
• Monitor performance and ensure real-world impact post-launch.
• Collaborate with Product, Design, and Engineering teams.

Skills

Backend Development

Collaboration

Product Thinking

System Ownership

AI Tools & Testing

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

MySQL

AWS

PHP (Laravel or similar)

CI/CD

Job description

We’ve recently made a bold shift from traditional software engineering to product engineering - where engineers don’t just write code, but deeply own problems and shape solutions that matter.

As a backend product engineer at Hello Chef, you’ll work on systems that power our entire business - from recipe development and ERP, to packing operations and inventory accuracy, all the way to last-mile delivery, consumer mobile app and infrastructure. We’ve built all these tools - and more - in-house, and we’re proud to say they stand toe-to-toe with industry leaders.

Why This Role is Exciting

You’ll have the chance to:

• Own real product impact - whether it’s reducing shortages, improving delivery accuracy, or scaling our consumer app
• Work cross-functionally - our engineers collaborate closely with Product, Ops, and CX to solve real-world problems
• Use modern practices and tools - from Laravel and Kubernetes to Copilot, AI test generators, and observability platforms

This is a high-ownership, high-collaboration, and fast-paced environment - perfect for someone ready to go beyond feature tickets and truly co-own outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a product-minded backend engineer who blends strong technical skills with ownership, curiosity, and collaborative energy. You might be a great fit if you:

• Have 3+ years building backend systems using PHP (Laravel or similar), MySQL, Docker, and Kubernetes, with experience deploying to cloud environments like AWS
• Stay close to your code post-launch - validating usage, fixing issues, and learning what’s working in real life
• Thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional team - where engineers speak to users, shape scope with PMs, and work shoulder-to-shoulder with Ops, CX, and Design
• Use AI tools to move faster and build smarter - and are always looking for ways to raise the bar
• Care about clean, testable code and fast, iterative delivery - and are fluent in modern dev practices like CI/CD and observability

Mission of the Product Engineer – Backend

Build and own backend systems that shape Hello Chef’s customer experience and operations — delivering reliable features with real-world impact, modern practices, and strong collaboration.

Accountabilities, Goals and Outcomes

1. Deliver reliable backend features end-to-end: Build, test, and ship clean, maintainable code that aligns with product goals and customer needs.
2. Own outcomes beyond deployment: Follow through after release — monitor performance, fix issues, and ensure real-world impact across operations and customer experience.
3. Collaborate and improve continuously: Work closely with Product, Design, and Engineering peers to shape solutions, raise code quality, and enhance team velocity using AI tools and modern practices.

Core Competencies

• Backend Development: PHP (Laravel or similar), MySQL, CI/CD, Docker/Kubernetes, AWS
• System Ownership: Builds, monitors, and improves live features with real-world impact
• Product Thinking: Makes technical choices tied to customer and business outcomes
• Collaboration: Works closely with Product, Design, and peers; clear communicator; team player
• AI Tools & Testing: Uses Copilot, ChatGPT, or AI test tools; values test-driven development

What We Offer

• Market-competitive compensation, with biannual performance-based reviews and level-linked salary ranges
• 22 days annual leave, annual flight allowance, and relocation support if moving to Dubai
• Premium medical coverage, including mental health, optical, and dental, plus generous parental leave
• 50% Hello Chef discount and weekly tastings from the food team — yes, you'll enjoy what you help build
• A high-feedback, high-growth culture — clarity through job levels, frequent reflections, and real ownership