Job Description
This is a remote position.
Location
This role is fully remote role based in Ontario.
Duration
This is a fixed-term contract ending July 27, 2027, with the possibility of extension.
Project Overview
The Backend Developer plays a critical role in building, maintaining, and evolving SafetyCo's Learning Management System (LMS) and supporting technology infrastructure.
Working closely with cross-functional teams, this role is responsible for developing and maintaining the backend functionality that powers our digital learning platform. This includes custom WordPress plugins, APIs, integrations, database architecture, system functionality, and ongoing platform improvements.
You will translate business and technical requirements into reliable, scalable solutions while ensuring the platform remains secure, stable, efficient, and easy to maintain.
This isn’t a role for someone looking to simply clock in and clock out. We’re looking for people who take ownership, think independently, and have the confidence to make decisions, solve problems, and move things forward without waiting to be told what to do. If you’re energized by building something from the ground up, thrive in an ambitious environment, and want the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.
Why This Role Exists
The Backend Developer builds and maintains the technology behind SafetyCo’s LMS, ensuring it is reliable, secure, scalable, and easy to evolve.
This role turns business and technical requirements into functional solutions integrations, APIs, databases, and backend systems while continuously improving the platform as SafetyCo grows.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role means:
- Reliable, scalable backend functionality
- Clean, maintainable, well-documented code
- Stable and effective system integrations
- Secure and accurate data management
- Fast identification and resolution of technical issues
- Strong platform performance and reliability
- Smooth, well-tested releases
- Continuous improvements to systems and development processes
- Minimal technical debt as the platform scales
Requirements
What You'll Do
Backend Development
- Develop and maintain functionality, plugins, modules, and backend systems
- Build scalable, maintainable PHP solutions
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
- Support upgrades and platform enhancements
- Participate in code reviews and development standards
APIs & Integrations
- Build and maintain APIs and third-party integrations
- Connect platform with CRM, authentication, reporting, payment, and other systems
- Support data synchronization and workflow automation
- Troubleshoot integration and data-flow issue
Database & Performance
- Develop and maintain relational databases and queries
- Support database optimization, migrations, and data integrity
- Monitor and improve system performance
- Identify and address technical risks and reliability issues
Security & Quality
- Follow secure coding and data protection practices
- Identify and address security vulnerabilities
- Conduct developer-level testing before QA
- Investigate and resolve defects identified during testing
- Support releases, deployments, and system updates
Documentation & Collaboration
- Maintain technical documentation for systems, APIs, integrations, and plugins
- Work closely with QA, Learning Systems, Project Management, and other teams
- Participate in technical planning, solution reviews, and project discussions
- Assess technical feasibility, risks, dependencies, and effort
- Research and recommend new technologies and development improvements
- Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement
What You Bring
Required:
- 5 years of experience in backend software development
- Experience with TypeScript
- Experience developing and maintaining web-based applications
- Experience working relational databases
- Strong understanding of REST APIs and system integrations
- Experience with Git and version control
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC)
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Experience working with existing codebases and developing new functionality
- Strong understanding of secure and maintainable software development practices
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
Preferred:
- Basic experience with PHP / WordPress development
- Experience developing custom plugins or modules
- Experience with APIs and architecture
- Experience with Linux-based environments
- Experience with Docker or containerized development environments
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment processes
- Experience working with cloud hosting environments
- Experience with authentication systems such as OAuth, SSO, or SAML
- Experience with providers such as AWS, Sevalla, DigitalOcean or Vercel
- Experience integrating CRM, payment, reporting, or other enterprise systems
- Familiarity with automated testing frameworks
- Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
- Experience working within an LMS, education technology, or SaaS environment
Core Competencies
Backend Development
Build reliable, scalable backend solutions that support the LMS and its continued growth.
Technical Problem Solving
Investigate complex technical issues, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions independently.
Systems Thinking
Understand how systems, databases, APIs, and integrations work together and consider the broader impact of technical decisions.
Code Quality
Write clean, efficient, secure, and maintainable code that supports long-term development.
Ownership & Initiative
Take ownership of responsibilities, identify what needs to be done, and move work forward independently.
Collaboration & Communication
Communicate technical concepts clearly and work effectively with both technical and non-technical teams
Adaptability
Thrive in a fast-moving environment where priorities, requirements, and technologies continue to evolve.
Benefits
Perks & Extras
- The little things matter too.
- Employee discounts on select products and services
- Team events, social activities, and recognition moments that actually feel fun (not forced)
- The chance to do meaningful work that genuinely improves workplace safety in communities
Company Culture
- This is a place where people matter.
- A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team environment
- Business casual dress
- A real commitment to learning, development, and helping people grow
- A workplace where ideas are welcomed, voices are heard, and contributions actually make a difference
About SafetyCo
SafetyCo is Canada’s leading integrated workplace safety partner, bringing together specialized safety companies, expert teams, and industry-leading services into one coordinated model, where we’re actively changing how workplace safety is done.
We help take the complexity out of workplace safety by making it simpler and more connected. Instead of juggling multiple providers, clients get one integrated partner for training, consulting, compliance, emergency response, occupational health, and risk management. The result is less chaos, stronger compliance, and safer workplaces that actually run better. And we do this all alongside a team of great people who genuinely enjoy what they do.
*This Employment Ontario initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
