Backend Developer (High-Scale WordPress & API)
Location Springfield, VA
Position Number 1779
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Job Announcement
Backend Developer (High-Scale WordPress & API)
The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN) is seeking a Backend Developer who will play a key role in building and maintaining MBN's digital infrastructure, with a primary focus on the backend systems and services powering alhurra.com, a high-traffic WordPress.com platform. This position is responsible for developing scalable, secure, and high-performance backend systems that support the company's content platforms and digital products.
The ideal candidate is a technically strong, solutions-oriented developer with a passion for clean, efficient code and experience designing robust systems for large-scale digital environments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:
Lead backend development and contribute to the overall technical strategy for MBN's digital platforms.
Design, build, and maintain secure, scalable, and high-performance WP REST API and GraphQL endpoints, custom WordPress plugins, and themes that extend the alhurra.com platform.
Develop reusable components, templates, and libraries to enhance efficiency and reduce redundancy.
Upgrade existing platforms by improving functionality, optimizing performance, and modernizing architecture.
Collaborate with mobile development teams to build applications optimized for performance and large-scale data handling.
Design and maintain efficient database schemas, working with and extending the core WordPress database structure, ensuring data integrity and optimal query performance.
Implement advanced security practices to protect user data and mitigate risks across digital systems.
Integrate third-party services and APIs to expand and enhance platform functionality.
Ensure all backend systems meet standards for scalability, maintainability, and performance.
Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues in collaboration with digital, front-end, and DevOps teams; document code and maintain version control standards.
Implement and manage SEO tools\u2014including structured data, meta tags, and XML sitemaps\u2014within Agile development cycles.
Other Duties:
Perform additional job-related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Candidates are required to have:
Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in backend or full-stack development.
Strong skills in database design (SQL), REST API development, and application architecture.
Solid understanding of web technologies including HTTP, REST, AJAX, and JSON.
Proven experience building scalable, secure, and high-performance backend systems.
Familiarity with version control (Git) and Agile development practices.
Expertise with WordPress coding standards, action/filter hooks, custom post types, and the WordPress Object Cache API.
Strong problem-solving, debugging, and documentation skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
Ability to accommodate flexible work schedule to support 24/7 news environment.
Ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
Preferred:
Experience with modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g., Vue, React, or Angular).
Knowledge of SEO best practices and backend optimization for search engines.
Understanding of accessibility, cross-browser compatibility, and web standards.
Experience integrating third-party services and APIs.
Familiarity with cloud infrastructure or DevOps tools.
MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.
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