???? Remote | Equity-Based | Flexible Hours
Backend Developer (PHP / Laravel / MySQL)
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Are you a backend developer who enjoys building scalable systems from scratch, collaborating closely with mobile developers, and shaping the technical foundation of an early-stage product?
Swapop — an AI-powered marketplace for Gen Z to swap, buy, and trade items — is looking for a Backend Developer to help design, build, and scale our backend infrastructure while working hand-in-hand with our Flutter mobile developers.
This is an equity-based founding team opportunity, with the potential to transition into a paid senior engineering role post-funding.
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Key Responsibilities
Backend Development & Architecture • Design and build RESTful APIs using PHP (Laravel) to support the Swapop mobile application. • Develop and manage scalable MySQL database schemas and relationships. • Implement authentication, authorization, and user management systems. • Build core marketplace logic (listings, swaps, bids, matching, notifications). • Ensure backend performance, security, and reliability. • Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code.
Collaboration with Flutter Developers
• Work closely with Flutter developers to define API contracts and data structures. • Support frontend needs and iterate quickly based on product requirements. • Participate in architecture discussions to optimize mobile–backend communication. • Help troubleshoot backend-related issues impacting the mobile app.
System Growth & Optimization
• Optimize queries, endpoints, and data flow as usage scales. • Prepare the backend for future AI-driven features and integrations. • Assist in setting up environments, deployment workflows, and basic Dev Ops practices. • Contribute to technical decisions and long-term backend roadmap.
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Requirements
• Strong experience with PHP and Laravel framework. • Solid knowledge of MySQL and relational database design. • Experience building and consuming REST APIs. • Understanding of authentication, security best practices, and API performance. • Ability to collaborate effectively with mobile (Flutter) developers. • Startup mindset — comfortable building, iterating, and improving systems quickly. • Ability to commit 10–15 hours per week in an early-stage environment.
Nice to Have
• Experience with cloud hosting (AWS, Digital Ocean, or similar). • Familiarity with real-time features (notifications, messaging). • Previous experience in marketplaces, fintech, or trading platforms.
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What You’ll Gain
• Founding team role with meaningful equity in a fast-growing startup. • The opportunity to architect the backend foundation of a new marketplace. • Hands-on collaboration with a multidisciplinary product and mobile team. • A clear pathway to evolve into Lead Backend Engineer / CTO-track role after funding. • Real ownership, autonomy, and impact from day one.
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Additional Info
• 100% Remote — work from anywhere. • Flexible hours — async-friendly collaboration. • Equity-based (no salary until funding). • Ideal for developers who want to build from zero, shape architecture, and grow with the product.