Backend Engineer (PHP, APIs, WordPress) – Hybrid

The City University of New York; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The City University of New York (CUNY) is seeking a Backend Developer to support the backend of CUNY websites and applications. You will work on APIs, data integrations, and CMS server-side components, focusing on reliability, performance, and security.

The role emphasizes collaboration with senior staff and adherence to coding standards. You will maintain WordPress plugins, implement RESTful APIs, and help troubleshoot server environments within a hybrid work model in New York.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.
• Experience supporting and optimizing websites built on WordPress or similar CMS.
• Familiarity with Linux-based server environments (RHEL) and common hosting configurations.
• Awareness of WCAG accessibility standards and applying them in work.
• Experience with backend code maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Git and collaborative development workflows.
• Experience supporting server environments, including file permissions, configuration updates and deployments.
• Experience in Agile or similar methodologies; participation in sprint meetings or stand-ups.
• Ability to review code changes, follow documentation, work independently, and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains backend functionality for CUNY sites using PHP, Apache, NGINX, MySQL.
• Monitors system logs, database performance, API usage, and backend workflows to identify issues.
• Implements backend solutions, integrations and updates under guidance of senior staff.
• Maintains CMS backend components, including WordPress plugins and server-side logic.
• Implements RESTful APIs and integrations with third-party data sources and auth systems.
• Works with server admins and senior devs to troubleshoot hosting configurations and performance.
• Follows security, accessibility, and compliance requirements in backend systems.
• Participates in backend code reviews and maintains technical documentation.
• Supports digital projects, migrations, and system upgrades; performs assigned tasks.

Skills

WordPress

Linux servers

WCAG

Backend maintenance

Agile

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Git

WordPress plugins

Job description

The City University of New York (CUNY) is seeking a Backend Developer to support the backend of CUNY websites and applications. You will work on APIs, data integrations, and CMS server-side components, focusing on reliability, performance, and security.

The role emphasizes collaboration with senior staff and adherence to coding standards. You will maintain WordPress plugins, implement RESTful APIs, and help troubleshoot server environments within a hybrid work model in New York.