Chief PHP Developer

We are looking for an experienced **Chief PHP Developer** to join our team. This role requires a deep understanding of PHP development and hands\-on experience in improving and refactoring legacy systems while creating scalable new features. You will work closely with cross\-functional teams to drive the technical direction of the product and ensure its long\-term success.   **Responsibilities** * Evaluate and improve the client’s legacy system, primarily built with PHP (Sugar/SuiteCRM) and a Java backend * Address performance and stability challenges, resolve bottlenecks, and recommend architectural improvements * Collaborate with Solution Architects, Product Owners, and other teams to create and implement new product features * Promote simple and effective solutions while supporting the development of new functionalities * Oversee client onboarding processes and customize design changes based on client needs * Work closely with vendor development teams, including offshore teams in India * Serve as a client\-facing representative to ensure effective communication and alignment with American clients * Support migration initiatives, including transitioning infrastructure from AWS to Azure * Assess current architectural solutions and provide recommendations for best practices   **Requirements** * At least 7 years of experience in PHP development * A minimum of 2 years of experience leading and managing development teams * Participation in at least 2 full\-cycle projects or multiple projects across various development lifecycle phases * Advanced expertise with PHP 5\+ and optimization tools like OPCACHE/APC and PHP linters * Strong knowledge of MySQL, including transactions, ACID principles, and slow log performance tuning * Understanding of CodeReview processes and experience with CI/CD pipelines * Hands\-on experience with Docker for application containerization * Proficiency in Redis or Memcache for caching solutions * Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and workflows * Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken, at a B2\+ level or higher   **Nice to have** * Experience with .NET technologies * Knowledge of Microsoft Azure cloud services * Expertise in refactoring using tools like xDebug * Familiarity with profiling tools such as xhproof * Background in developing and customizing SugarCRM systems   **We offer** * International projects with top brands * Work with global teams of highly skilled, diverse peers * Healthcare benefits * Employee financial programs * Paid time off and sick leave * Upskilling, reskilling and certification courses * Unlimited access to the LinkedIn Learning library and 22,000\+ courses * Global career opportunities * Volunteer and community involvement opportunities * EPAM Employee Groups * Award\-winning culture recognized by Glassdoor, Newsweek and LinkedIn