PHP Engineer

As a PHP Engineer, you will work remotely on an hourly paid basis to review AI-generated PHP code, backend designs, and technical explanations, as well as produce high-quality reference implementations and step-by-step reasoning for complex engineering problems. You will assess solutions for correctness, clarity, security, performance, and adherence to the prompt; identify issues in application architecture, data modeling, API design, security, caching, and database usage; fact-check technical information; write strong explanations and model solutions that demonstrate best practices; and rate and compare multiple AI responses based on correctness and reasoning quality. This fully remote, hourly paid contractor role is with SME Careers, a fast-growing AI data services company and subsidiary of SuperAnnotate that provides AI training data to many of the world’s largest AI companies and foundation model labs—where your PHP and backend expertise will directly help improve the world’s premier AI models used by millions of developers worldwide.

Important: There is no immediate project for this role; however, if qualified, you will be among the first experts we reach out to when relevant opportunities arise. This will also provide you with access to future projects available through our expert network.

Key responsibilities

• Develop AI Training Content: Create detailed prompts across PHP/backend topics and write high-quality reference answers to guide AI learning.
• Optimize AI Performance: Evaluate, rank, and provide feedback on AI responses to improve correctness, security, readability, and contextual fit.
• Ensure Model Integrity: Test AI outputs for inaccuracies, unsafe practices, and potential biases; validate reliability across real-world use cases.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 4+ years of professional experience developing production backend systems in PHP.
• Expert-level proficiency in modern PHP (7.4/8.x+), including OOP, strict typing, namespaces, Composer, and common design patterns.
• Strong backend fundamentals: HTTP, REST, authentication/authorization, sessions, caching, queues, and API design.
• Deep experience with databases (e.g., MySQL/PostgreSQL), including schema design, indexing, query optimization, and transactions.
• Experience with at least one major PHP framework (e.g., Laravel, Symfony) and knowledge of dependency injection, middleware, and ORM tradeoffs.
• Security mindset with hands-on knowledge of secure coding practices (e.g., OWASP Top 10, input validation, SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, secrets handling).
• Comfort with version control, CI/CD workflows, and automated testing (e.g., PHPUnit, integration tests, mocking strategies).
• Prior experience with AI data training, annotation, or evaluating AI-generated technical content is a strong plus.
• Minimum C1 English proficiency (written and spoken), with the ability to write clear technical explanations and follow detailed English-language guidelines.
• Highly detail-oriented and systematic, with a methodical approach to evaluating reasoning quality and identifying subtle bugs in complex PHP/backend systems.

🌍 Geographic Availability This role is available to qualified experts globally. However, as a U.S.-based company, SME Careers complies with U.S. export control and sanctions regulations. Eligibility depends on your country of residence and any applicable trade restrictions. Some projects may have additional language or region-specific requirements.

💰 Pay Rate May Vary Based on Your Location Your actual compensation will be determined based on your location and local market conditions. See regional job listings for localized pay information, or the application process will clarify your specific rate.

If you're unsure whether you're eligible, proceed with the application—SME's screening will determine your jurisdiction status and applicable compensation.