Full-Stack Web & Digital Operations Architect

Position: Full-Stack Web & Digital Operations Architect
Location: Phoenix, Arizona (Full Time, On-Site at 16th Street & Northern)
Status: Exempt
Compensation: Competitive salary DOE, Health, Dental Vision, 3 weeks PTO, generous paid holiday schedule, mobile phone allowance and matching 401-K (after 1st year of employment), in-office with WFH Fridays, dog friendly and energetic work environment, future upward mobility and growth path, partial paid maternity/paternity leave
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field or equivalent practical experience. Advanced certifications or training in web development, cloud hosting (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer), or marketing analytics tools are a plus but not required.

PRIMARY ROLE:

Defero is seeking an experienced web engineer who can build robust solutions from the ground up while also supporting various digital agency marketing analytic integrations and projects.

This role requires a strong technical foundation with the flexibility to troubleshoot and collaborate across disciplines. This position serves as a critical partner to technical leadership, acting as their right hand to ensure that technical projects and challenges are handled with minimal oversight.

The ideal candidate will possess the confidence and skills to independently manage complex tasks, allowing leadership to focus on broader strategic initiatives.

Agency experience is a bonus, but it’s not a dealbreaker if you have the right mix of skills and a solutions-oriented mindset.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong technical background who thrives in a dynamic environment requiring versatility and problem-solving.  You should have hands-on experience with web development frameworks like Laravel and WordPress, as these will be key components of their role.

Additionally, our chosen candidate should be comfortable working with modern analytics tools such as GA4 and Google Tag Manager and have a solid foundation in SQL to support data workflows and optimizations. Experience with serverless architectures, such as AWS Lambda, while not required, is highly desirable. Similarly, experience with AWS Athena and S3 would be desirable as well.

We’re looking for someone who has demonstrated the ability to take on varied responsibilities, often wearing multiple hats across disciplines. A passion for learning is essential—this candidate should have a proven track record of picking up new skills and adapting to evolving challenges in their career.

Ultimately, this role is best suited for someone who can balance technical expertise with flexibility and is excited to contribute to a fast-moving and collaborative agency environment.

We value demonstrated skills and experience over specific educational qualifications. If you’re passionate about solving problems, have a history of delivering results, and believe you’re a fit for this role, we encourage you to apply.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Engineering First: Build, deploy, and maintain web projects using PHP (WordPress/Laravel), Javascript, CSS, and SQL.
  • Hosting Mastery: Set up and manage hosting environments, including self-hosted solutions (AWS EC2) and managed platforms (e.g., Cloudways, WP Engine, Pantheon).
  • Problem Solving: Troubleshoot and debug issues across both technical and marketing-related systems.
  • Analytics Support: Implement and maintain marketing analytics tools (e.g., Google Tag Manager, GA4) when necessary.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, external clients, and technical leadership to deliver high-quality solutions on time.
  • Leadership: Lead projects from start to finish, mentor teammates, and serve as the go-to resource for all things web.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Proficiency in PHP (WordPress/Laravel), Javascript, CSS, and SQL, with a proven ability to build and maintain custom web solutions.
  • Experience setting up and managing hosting environments (e.g., AWS EC2, Cloudways, WP Engine).
  • Knowledge of domain and DNS management.
  • Familiarity with marketing analytics tools (e.g., Google Tag Manager, GA4) and the ability to implement or debug integrations as needed.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Confidence to manage complex tasks autonomously and take ownership of responsibilities.

PREFERRED TRAITS:

  • Hands-On Engineer: Comfortable with both backend and frontend work.
  • Adaptable: Able to juggle multiple projects and adjust to shifting priorities.
  • Mentor: Willing to guide and support less experienced team members.
  • Results-Oriented: Focused on delivering practical, effective solutions.
  • Trustworthy Partner: Capable of acting as an extension of technical leadership, ensuring the smooth execution of technical priorities.

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS:

While not required, the following skills are highly desirable:

  • Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SQL, automations, and journey building).
  • Exposure to other email marketing platforms, such as Klaviyo.
  • Familiarity with Shopify development and management.
  • Advanced knowledge of data engineering tools (e.g., SQL, dbt) or analytics platforms.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • 5+ years of experience in web development, engineering, or a related technical role, preferably in a fast-paced or agency environment.
  • Proven track record of managing and delivering end-to-end technical projects, from scoping and building to deploying and maintaining.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage hosting environments (e.g., AWS EC2, Cloudways, WP Engine) and domain/DNS management.
  • Hands-on experience with PHP (WordPress/Laravel), Javascript, CSS, and SQL, with a portfolio or examples of work showcasing custom development.
  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, mentoring teammates, and communicating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with marketing analytics tools (e.g., Google Tag Manager, GA4) and the ability to implement or troubleshoot as needed.

GENERAL AGENCY EXPECTATIONS:

  • Always seeks clarity.
  • Always takes actions that are in Defero’s and the client’s best interests.
  • Actively tries to improve and be better on behalf of the agency and client.
  • Maintains the ability to professionally interface and communicate with clients and internal teams. Strives to be exceptional with verbal and written communications.
  • Demonstrates exceptional organizational and project prioritization skills.
  • Practices effective time management.
  • Meets deadlines, exceeds expectations, and produces work at the highest quality assurance standards.
  • Demonstrates a capacity to operate with a level of self-sufficiency.
  • Holds ‘difficult conversations’ with fellow associates when needed.
  • Maintains a positive personality that fits into the Defero culture and contributes to its growth.
  • Acts as a problem solver and maintains a solution-oriented mindset.
  • Documents time daily in Workamajig (agency operating system).