Job Description

We've recently made a bold shift from traditional software engineering to product engineering - where engineers don't just write code, but deeply own problems and shape solutions that matter.



As a backend product engineer at Hello Chef, you'll work on systems that power our entire business - from recipe development and ERP, to packing operations and inventory accuracy, all the way to last-mile delivery, consumer mobile app and infrastructure. We've built all these tools - and more - in-house, and we're proud to say they stand toe-to-toe with industry leaders.

Why This Role is Exciting

You'll have the chance to:


Own real product impact - whether it's reducing shortages, improving delivery accuracy, or scaling our consumer app Work cross-functionally - our engineers collaborate closely with Product, Ops, and CX to solve real-world problems Use modern practices and tools - from Laravel and Kubernetes to Copilot, AI test generators, and observability platforms

This is a high-ownership, high-collaboration, and fast-paced environment - perfect for someone ready to go beyond feature tickets and truly co-own outcomes.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a product-minded backend engineer who blends strong technical skills with ownership, curiosity, and collaborative energy. You might be a great fit if you:


Have 3+ years building backend systems using PHP (Laravel or similar), MySQL, Docker, and Kubernetes, with experience deploying to cloud environments like AWS Stay close to your code post-launch - validating usage, fixing issues, and learning what's working in real life Thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional team - where engineers speak to users, shape scope with PMs, and work shoulder-to-shoulder with Ops, CX, and Design Use AI tools to move faster and build smarter - and are always looking for ways to raise the bar Care about clean, testable code and fast, iterative delivery - and are fluent in modern dev practices like CI/CD and observability

Mission of the Product Engineer - Backend

Build and own backend systems that shape Hello Chef's customer experience and operations -- delivering reliable features with real-world impact, modern practices, and strong collaboration.

Accountabilities, Goals and Outcomes

Deliver reliable backend features end-to-end: Build, test, and ship clean, maintainable code that aligns with product goals and customer needs.

Own outcomes beyond deployment: Follow through after release -- monitor performance, fix issues, and ensure real-world impact across operations and customer experience.

Collaborate and improve continuously: Work closely with Product, Design, and Engineering peers to shape solutions, raise code quality, and enhance team velocity using AI tools and modern practices.

Core Competencies

Backend Development: PHP (Laravel or similar), MySQL, CI/CD, Docker/Kubernetes, AWS System Ownership: Builds, monitors, and improves live features with real-world impact Product Thinking: Makes technical choices tied to customer and business outcomes Collaboration: Works closely with Product, Design, and peers; clear communicator; team player AI Tools & Testing: Uses Copilot, ChatGPT, or AI test tools; values test-driven development

What We Offer

Market-competitive compensation, with biannual performance-based reviews and level-linked salary ranges 22 days annual leave, annual flight allowance, and relocation support if moving to Dubai Premium medical coverage, including mental health, optical, and dental, plus generous parental leave 50% Hello Chef discount and weekly tastings from the food team -- yes, you'll enjoy what you help build * A high-feedback, high-growth culture -- clarity through job levels, frequent reflections, and real ownership