PHP Developer (UAE National)

Core42, a leader in AI-powered cloud and digital infrastructure, is driving transformative technology solutions globally.

Leveraging advanced resources and partnerships, Core42 empowers clients to harness sovereign AI infrastructure, especially in sectors with stringent regulatory needs.

With a mission to redefine digital transformation, we combine sovereign capabilities with scalable, high-performance compute infrastructure, positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation in the Middle East and beyond.

The opportunity

A PHP Developer is responsible for building and maintaining high-quality web applications that meet the company’s needs for functionality, performance, scalability and reliability, with realistic implementation schedules and adherence to development goals and principles.

Reports to: Special Project Team Lead.

Your key responsibilities

• Design solutions that meet project requirements by understanding the problem, planning the approach and creating a software blueprint. Implement and support the designed solutions, writing clean, efficient, bug-free PHP code.
• Handle reported incidents, bugs and errors; troubleshoot issues, identify root causes and apply fixes. Review code regularly and collaborate with other developers to ensure code quality, adherence to best practices and consistency across the project.
• Manage code versions using tools such as Git, commit changes, merge branches and follow the established internal development workflow. Attend regular standups with team members working on the same project and provide updates as directed by the Scrum framework.
• Maintain technical documentation explaining upcoming or existing integrations, and create mockups and sample payloads to test contracts when required.
• Collaborate continuously with the testing team and perform unit, integration, security and performance testing.
• Handle incidents and changes, prioritize and follow up on tickets, reassign tickets to team members, and troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Keep system documentation current, including APIs, integration contracts and training guides; record all changes and issues, and provide training to improve team members’ skills.
• Understand and practice information security fundamentals covering the confidentiality, integrity and availability of organizational information. Apply basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures in routine situations. Perform other related duties or assignments as directed. Work internally with all employees and management; no external communication is required.

What we’re looking for

(a) Required skills / qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field. At least 6 years of software development experience, including a minimum of 4 years in PHP development. Proficiency in both frontend and backend development, with strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Mastery of PHP syntax, data structures and core functions, with a strong understanding of object-oriented programming in PHP. Familiarity with frameworks such as Laravel and Symfony and the ability to use them to streamline development, enforce MVC architecture and leverage built-in features.
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS and JavaScript to collaborate effectively on UI/UX development. Proficiency with relational databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL or SQLite, including SQL queries, schema management and CRUD operations. Proficiency with Git for collaborative development, tracking changes and managing repositories.
• Understanding of common web security vulnerabilities, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting, and knowledge of secure coding, data encryption and user authentication. Strong knowledge of building and consuming RESTful APIs using PHP Web API, JSON or XML data exchange, HTTP protocols and web application security.
• Understanding of software architecture patterns, including MVC and microservices, and sound knowledge of MVC, Singleton and Factory design patterns and their appropriate implementation in PHP. Knowledge of unit testing frameworks such as PHP Unit and debugging tools to ensure quality and identify and fix errors. Familiarity with Agile methodologies, Scrum, and backlog or tracking tools such as MS Azure (TFS) or Jira, with adequate experience using those tools. Expert problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to find efficient solutions. Expertise in Apache web server, with fair knowledge of Linux, Unix or Windows operating systems. Strong ability to identify performance bottlenecks and implement optimizations to improve application performance and efficiency.

(b) Preferred skills / qualifications

• Knowledge of Moodle CMS, including development, customization and integration with other systems, is a significant advantage.
• Experience with DevOps tools and practices, including CI/CD pipelines, is a plus.

• Behavioral competencies: Strategic Thinking — Level 3; Drive for Excellence, Customer Orientation, Teamwork & Collaboration, Credibility Building and Adaptability — Level 2.
• Technical competencies — Advanced: Existing & Emerging Technologies; IT Risk Assessment & Management; Knowledge of International IT Standards; Compliance; Environment, Health and Safety. Proficient: Problem Solving and Incident Management. Basic: Management of Vendors / Alliances; Business Relationship Management; Policies and Governance; Planning, Forecasting and Scheduling; Database Management and Administration; Hardware Knowledge; Analytical skills; Reporting; Continuous Improvement; Quality Management.

What working at Core42 offers

With a diverse team of 1,100+ employees from 68 nationalities, we foster an inclusive, innovative and collaborative environment.

At Core42, we foster a culture grounded in trust, accountability and high performance.

We are united by our values:

, where we overcome challenges with resilience and determination,

, which drives us to pursue excellence in everything we do, and

, as we aim to inspire progress and create meaningful change.

Our team members thrive in an environment where each person’s contributions propel us forward, and together, we commit to achieving extraordinary results.

• Competitive Salary: We offer an attractive salary package based on your skills and experience
• Yearly Bonus: In recognition of your contributions, you will receive a performance-based annual bonus
• Exclusive Discount Cards: Access special benefits with Esaad and Fazaa cards, offering discounts across a wide range of services
• Premium Family Insurance: We provide comprehensive health coverage, including dental, vision and life insurance, ensuring the well-being of you and your family
• Learning & Development: We offer access to top-tier learning platforms to help you grow in your career. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access to premium courses.