Backend Developer (High-Scale WordPress & API)

Middle East Broadcasting Networks; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading broadcasting network is looking for a Backend Developer with expertise in WordPress and API to enhance their digital platforms. The role involves leading backend development, designing secure systems, collaborating on application performance, and ensuring standards for scalability and maintainability. Candidates should have at least 5 years of backend or full-stack experience, strong database skills, and proficiency in REST API development. The position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in backend or full-stack development.
• Strong skills in database design and application architecture.
• Proven experience building scalable and high-performance backend systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead backend development and contribute to technical strategy.
• Design and maintain secure, scalable WP REST API and GraphQL endpoints.
• Collaborate with teams to build applications for large-scale data handling.

Skills

Backend development

REST API development

Database design (SQL)

Agile development practices

Version control (Git)

Problem-solving

Strong English communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent

Tools

WordPress

SQL

JavaScript frameworks (Vue, React, Angular)

Job description

Backend Developer (High-Scale WordPress & API)

Join Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) as a Backend Developer building and maintaining MBN’s digital infrastructure, focusing on the backend systems and services powering alhurra.com—a high‑traffic WordPress.com platform.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead backend development and contribute to the overall technical strategy for MBN’s digital platforms.
• Design, build, and maintain secure, scalable, and high‑performance WP REST API and GraphQL endpoints, custom WordPress plugins, and themes that extend the alhurra.com platform.
• Develop reusable components, templates, and libraries to enhance efficiency and reduce redundancy.
• Upgrade existing platforms by improving functionality, optimizing performance, and modernizing architecture.
• Collaborate with mobile development teams to build applications optimized for performance and large‑scale data handling.
• Design and maintain efficient database schemas, working with and extending the core WordPress database structure, ensuring data integrity and optimal query performance.
• Implement advanced security practices to protect user data and mitigate risks across digital systems.
• Integrate third‑party services and APIs to expand and enhance platform functionality.
• Ensure all backend systems meet standards for scalability, maintainability, and performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues in collaboration with digital, front‑end, and DevOps teams; document code and maintain version control standards.
• Implement and manage SEO tools—including structured data, meta tags, and XML sitemaps—within Agile development cycles.

Other Duties

Perform additional job‑related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in backend or full‑stack development.
• Strong skills in database design (SQL), REST API development, and application architecture.
• Solid understanding of web technologies including HTTP, REST, AJAX, and JSON.
• Proven experience building scalable, secure, and high‑performance backend systems.
• Familiarity with version control (Git) and Agile development practices.
• Expertise with WordPress coding standards, action/filter hooks, custom post types, and the WordPress Object Cache API.
• Strong problem‑solving, debugging, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule to support a 24/7 news environment.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines.

Preferred

• Experience with modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g., Vue, React, or Angular).
• Knowledge of SEO best practices and backend optimization for search engines.
• Understanding of accessibility, cross‑browser compatibility, and web standards.
• Experience integrating third‑party services and APIs.
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure or DevOps tools.

MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.