Lead Developer/Engineer

Job Description: About Merkle We Dream. We Do. We Deliver. At Merkle, a dentsu company, we power the experience economy. Whether we're building the next great app, running CRM at scale for global brands, delivering technology architectures that support millions of users, or providing world-class data, identity, and insights solutions, it's all in the name of crafting experiences that set brands apart from the competition. Backed by dentsu's legacy of innovation and creativity originating in Japan, we've spent over 35 years helping brands build loyalty, drive growth, and connect meaningfully with their audiences. We've been named a global "Leader" by top industry analyst firms in categories as wide-ranging as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management. Job description: Key responsibilities: Participate in the entire software development cycle, including requirements analysis, design and development, unit testing, and documentation Take responsibility for the long-term reusability and stability of code Proactively identify security, usability, and other issues, and formulate strategies to resolve them Work independently, without guidance, while maintaining a broader overview of the project Take ownership of delivering complex application features and resolving key technical issues related to the assigned project Follow the estimation process and provide accurate personal estimates Develop required software features, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery Deliver training and participate in knowledge sharing Mentor new software engineers on the team Integrate new technologies and follow the company’s release processes What we are looking for: 6+ years of experience with PHP Academic background in IT or equivalent Strong working experience and knowledge of PHP versions 7.3 to 8.1 Clear understanding of OOP, design patterns and anti-patterns, and SOLID principles Working experience with relational database management systems Good understanding of project tools such as Atlassian products or Git/SVN Experience across testing layers, including unit, integration, and functional testing Knowledge of algorithms and distributed systems Proficiency in English Nice to have: Experience with e-commerce solutions such as Magento, PrestaShop, CS-Cart, or X-Cart, or with PHP CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla Knowledge of JavaScript (ES6) Experience with service- or microservices-oriented architecture, ideally in an e-commerce context Familiarity with Scrum methodology Your benefits: 🌴 Vacation: 25 vacation days 🤝 Social Impact: Enjoy 2 additional volunteering days to support your passion project 💖 Mental Health: Benefit from 3 extra wellness days on top of your vacation days and a Mental Health First Aider and Employee Assistance program to support your well-being 🏥 Health insurance (also possible for family members) 🖥️ Cutting-edge technology and latest IT tools ⏳ Agile and flexible working hours ⏰ Hybrid working: We combine flexibility with in-person collaboration, with an expectation of 1 day per week / 4 days per month in the office 🌍 Hybrid work system (remote friendly) ✈️ Digital nomad policy 🚀 Focus on career development 🎓 Academy: Full access to Dentsu Academy, our global online learning platform 🍻 Beers, foosball, and ping-pong! #workhardplayhard 🥐 Free breakfast every second Tuesday of the month 🛍️ Employee discounts 🎉 Team and company events 💸 Referral bonus program How to Apply Ready to join the team? Shape your unique career and reach your full potential. Apply now and join us in transforming the future together. Please note that work visa sponsorship is not available. For local documentation (NIF, NISS), please consult Portuguese authorities. *At dentsu, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is central to our vision: "To be at the forefront of people-centered transformations that shape society." We cherish the unique talents and perspectives of all individuals, welcoming applicants regardless of gender, gender identity, nationality, religion, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability. By embracing diverse perspectives, we create meaningful change and sustainable growth for our people, clients, and society. Our hiring decisions are guided by qualifications and role-specific requirements, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. #LI-MERKLE Location: Lisbon Brand: Merkle Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent