Backend Developer – PHP & Laravel (m/f/x)

as of now - fulltime - in Berlin

To support our e-Development team we are looking for a PHP Back-End Developer (m/f/x).

Why You’ll Love Coding Here:
We’re not your typical corporate gig with legacy overload. We’re Europe’s largest hostel group – and your code will power check-ins, bookings, and travel for millions of guests each year.
From sleek APIs to digital guest experiences, everything you build creates real-world impact – no “internal tool nobody uses” vibes here.

YOUR PLAYGROUND

• Build & optimize our core booking platform and integrations (REST APIs, third-party systems, internal microservices).
• Develop new backend features using PHP 8+, Laravel, and MySQL – independently and collaboratively.
• Debug, tune, and scale live systems – because performance matters.
• Collaborate closely with Frontend, Marketing, and Product – from feature request to live release.
• Work with modern AI dev tools (Copilot, Cursor, Claude) and level up your coding flow.
• Contribute to projects rethinking the future of hospitality tech and travel experience.

WAHT YOU BRING

• PHP 8.x & MySQL are your home turf.
• You know your way around MVC frameworks (Laravel = jackpot).
• Debugging and problem-solving are wired into your DNA.
• You speak REST fluently – both consuming and building APIs.
• Git, JIRA, and Confluence are part of your daily toolkit.
• You're already using modern AI tools – and open to automating workflows further.
• Bonus points if you're passionate about travel, hospitality, and new tech stacks.
• As this position cannot be filled remotely, a residence in or near Berlin is required.
  
  
  

OUR OFFER

• A small, experienced dev team – no 20-layer management maze.
• Real ownership of your code and plenty of freedom for your ideas.
• Modern tools, flat hierarchies, and fast decisions.
• An international environment + projects with real impact (Hospitality + E-Commerce).
• Code that doesn’t vanish into a drawer – it’s live and serving millions of users.

• 75% - 90% discount on private overnight stays in all a&o hostels (depending on company affiliation)
• attractive corporate benefits such as discounted leisure activities and events
• subsidized language courses
• Subsidized company pension scheme
• 100% coverage of your public transport costs (Deutschlandticket)
• support for your further education in the form of various trainings
• Mental Health: We offer you free and anonymous mental health coaching from our independent partner “Likeminded”, who will support you with professional, private and health-related challenges
• Of course we provide drinks, fruit and vegetables on a daily basis
• Seniority bonuses in the form of cash bonuses and additional vacation days

Sounds Like Your Stack?
? Apply now and help us build the next generation of hostel tech.

André Kahl
Head of Development

More about a&o Hostels:
As Europe's largest hostel chain, a&o is more than just a place to work - we stand for diversity, openness and a warm smile.
We live our mission ‘everyone can travel’ through fair prices and our continuous growth. With our motto ‘Stay affordable - sleep sustainable’, we are committed to affordable travel and sustainable action.
Since our founding, everyone has been welcome at a&o - no matter where you come from, what gender you are, how you love, what you believe in or what culture you belong to. We are colorful, diverse and full of team spirit - just like our guests!