Game development is our passion! To enhance our great team we are looking for a Principal PHP Developer!

At Twin Harbour Interactive we strive to develop high-quality strategy games and make them accessible for all players around the world. In our eyes game development is a promise for fun and entertainment – that’s what we live and aim for!

As a Principal PHP Developer, you would extend our PHP backend systems and APIs, building, enhancing, and extending our backend API according to current stability, performance, scalability, security, and maintainability standards. You will directly work with marketing and other stakeholders to integrate new partner APIs and tracking systems into our user backend. You can also contribute by implementing new features to our Javascript/HTML tools and services.

YOUR MISSION

• Lead architecture improvements and modernization of our core PHP API and backend systems powering our games
• Drive initiatives to enhance the stability, performance, and scalability of our PHP platform and live game systems
• Promote and implement security, testing, and development best practices
• Contribute high-quality, maintainable PHP code using a wide range of technologies like Composer, Sentry, Sonar, PHPUnit, Github, Docker, MySQL, Memcache, Redis, Jenkins, Grafana, Nexus, and Nginx
• Take ownership of important tech KPIs that ensure a smooth gameplay experience
• Shape the technical vision and roadmap for our PHP backend
• Partner with Marketing, Product, and Game Design to align technical work to business goals
•  Lead integration of new APIs, payment systems, and data tracking
• Spearhead projects to modernize and professionalize our PHP architecture
• Mentor and guide developers on your team, instilling best practices

YOUR BACKSTORY

• 7+ years of professional experience in PHP development
• Deep expertise in PHP 7/8, unit testing, Composer, PSRs, and modern PHP frameworks
• You have worked on multi-server, high-load PHP applications and have experience with leading complex, high-traffic PHP applications and APIs 
• Passion for writing clean, well-structured, maintainable code using design patterns appropriately
• Ability to implement and promote best practices for reliability, performance, scalability, and security
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong leadership skills; able to influence and mentor teammates
• Ability to understand business needs and translate them into technical requirements
• Fluent in technical and business English; German language skills are a plus
• Experience with agile methodologies like Kanban, Scrum
• Enthusiastic about games and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team
• Interested in learning outside of the box and also taking over full-stack development tasks

Why You'll Love Working With Us

A Global Team, A Shared Purpose

Our strength lies in our diversity. With over 30 nationalities represented across our two locations, we’re united by a shared passion for strategy games and a bold vision for the future. We celebrate what makes each of us unique—our perspectives, our stories, and the paths that led us here.

Work Your Way

Whether you're crafting code from a harbor-view desk in Hamburg or fine-tuning design details under the Maltese sun, we support flexible hybrid work models that empower you to do your best work—wherever you are.

Grow With Us

At Twin Harbour, your journey matters. Our Career Path Framework and mentorship culture provide the clarity and feedback you need to take the next step—whether you’re deepening your expertise or branching into new disciplines. We invest in your growth with language courses, e-learning platforms, and support for conferences and training.

We’re Human First

We believe that great teams are built on trust, respect, and good humor. From game nights to casual drinks, quiz nights, and karaoke, we don’t just work together—we connect, play, and support each other like a true crew.

Join Twin Harbour Interactive

Where Strategy Meets Vision.

Twin Harbour Interactive is a global strategy game powerhouse, shaping the future of long-term multiplayer gaming. With offices in Hamburg and Malta, we design strategy games that bring people together—across borders and generations.

Whether you’re an expert tactician or an imaginative world-builder, there’s a place here for you to grow, thrive, and leave your mark.