Principal Backend Engineer

Job Title: Principal Backend EngineerExperience: 7+ YearsLocation: Panchkula (Onsite)📍 Office will move to IT Park, Chandigarh from FebruaryWork Mode: Onsite | 5 Days a WeekAbout the RoleWe are looking for a Principal Backend Engineer to architect, scale, and lead the development of robust backend systems. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll drive technical decisions, mentor engineers, collaborate closely with clients and product teams, and help modernize platforms using scalable architectures and emerging technologies, including AI/ML where relevant.Tech StackBackend: PHP (Laravel / CodeIgniter), Node.jsDatabases: MySQL, MongoDBArchitecture: Microservices / Modular MonolithCloud (Good to Have): AWS / GCPKey ResponsibilitiesBackend Architecture & DevelopmentOwn and evolve backend architecture across PHP and Node.js servicesDesign and review scalable, maintainable systems (microservices or modular monoliths)Manage and optimize integrations across MySQL and MongoDB (data modeling, indexing, performance tuning)Technical LeadershipLead system design discussions, architecture reviews, and code quality initiativesEstablish backend development standards, best practices, and documentationMentor mid and senior engineers on design patterns, testing strategies, and CI/CD pipelinesDrive decisions around refactoring legacy systems and platform modernizationClient & Stakeholder CommunicationAct as the technical SPOC for backend architecture and integrationsTranslate business and product requirements into technical solutionsExplain trade-offs, constraints, and backend workflows to non-technical stakeholdersPresent PoCs and technical approaches confidently to clientsAI & ML Integration (Strategic / Optional)Identify backend use cases for AI such as personalization, recommendations, fraud detection, or data enrichmentDesign backend APIs, services, or cron jobs that interact with AI/ML modelsCollaborate with data teams and stay updated on AI tools/APIs (e.g., OpenAI, LangChain)Scalability, Security & PerformanceEnsure API security, role-based access control, and rate limitingOptimize system performance using caching, queues, and query optimizationPlan and support horizontal/vertical scaling on cloud infrastructureWhat We’re Looking For8+ years of backend development experience in PHP and/or Node.jsStrong expertise in database design (MySQL & MongoDB)Proven experience leading architecture decisions and mentoring engineersAbility to clearly communicate technical concepts to clients and stakeholdersProactive mindset toward scalability, performance, and system resilienceBonus: Experience or curiosity around AI APIs and real-world AI integrationWhy Join uEngage?Work on high-impact systems used by thousands of usersCollaborate with product, design, data, and client teamsHigh ownership and freedom to architect and innovateCompetitive compensation and a collaborative work culture