Senior Moodle / LMS / PHP Developer

Senior Moodle / LMS / PHP Developer Full-Stack · Moodle · E-Learning Standards & Integrations Department Engineering / Learning Technology Reports To CTO / VP of Engineering Employment Type Full-Time Location US (Remote / Hybrid) Experience 5+ Years Moodle Development About the Role We are looking for a seasoned Senior WordPress & LMS Developer with deep expertise in Moodle, custom PHP development, and e-learning standards. You will architect, build, and maintain robust Moodle-based learning management systems serving thousands of learners — owning everything from database schema and REST API design to pixel-perfect front-end components and third-party integrations. This is a high-impact, highly autonomous role suited to someone who thrives at the intersection of Moodle platform engineering and modern educational technology. Moodle Moodle Plugins PHP 8+ MySQL SCORM xAPI / Tin Can LTI 1.3 REST API React / JS SASS / CSS Google Classroom Mindsmith Zoom LTI Moodle CLI Docker CI/CD Key Responsibilities Platform Architecture & Development ▸ Design, develop, and maintain a scalable, high-availability Moodle platform — including site architecture, database optimisation, caching layers (Redis/Memcached), and multi-tenant or multi-instance configurations. ▸ Write clean, well-documented PHP 8+ code following OOP principles and Moodle's own coding style, APIs, and security guidelines (capability system, sesskey, SQL API). ▸ Build and maintain custom Moodle plugins (activity modules, blocks, authentication plugins, enrolment plugins, local plugins) following Moodle coding standards and plugin API conventions. ▸ Develop and customise Moodle themes using the Boost/Classic inheritance model, ensuring responsive, accessible, and branded learner experiences. E-Learning Standards & Integrations ▸ Implement and troubleshoot SCORM 1.2 / 2004 course packaging, runtime communication, and completion tracking. ▸ Integrate xAPI (Tin Can) statements with Learning Record Stores (LRS) such as SCORM Cloud, Learning Locker, or custom solutions. ▸ Configure and maintain LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) 1.1 and 1.3 / Advantage connections between WordPress/LifterLMS and third-party tools. ▸ Implement CMI5 course delivery where required, ensuring spec-compliant AU launch and data reporting. Full-Stack UI & Front-End ▸ Develop responsive, accessible front-end experiences using modern JavaScript (ES6+) and Moodle's AMD/RequireJS module system, including custom Mustache templates and YUI/jQuery where required by legacy components. ▸ Integrate with Google Classroom via LTI Advantage (1.3), managing rostering, grade passback, and deep linking. ▸ Optimise Moodle performance via caching configuration, theme asset minification, and database query profiling. Ensure WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility compliance across all learner-facing interfaces. ▸ Collaborate with UX/UI designers and instructional designers to translate wireframes into polished Moodle theme components and activity layouts. Integrations & Automation ▸ Integrate Google Classroom with Moodle via LTI Advantage 1.3 — managing course rostering, assignment creation, grade passback, and deep linking. ▸ Configure Mindsmith-authored content for xAPI reporting, ensuring completion events and scores flow correctly to the LRS and Moodle gradebook. ▸ Connect third-party services (CRMs, HR/talent systems, videoconferencing) via Moodle's REST/SOAP web services API, external database enrolment, and custom authentication plugins. ▸ Design and document Moodle web service functions for mobile app support, headless consumers, and third-party system integrations. ▸ Integrate Zoom via LTI Pro to enable instructors and learners to launch, schedule, and record meetings directly within the LMS — including grade/attendance passback where applicable. ▸ Manage authentication flows including SSO via SAML 2.0 / OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect. DevOps, Performance & Security ▸ Manage CI/CD pipelines for Moodle plugin and theme deployment using Git, GitHub Actions, or similar toolchains, including automated Moodle code checker (PHPUnit, Behat) test runs. ▸ Configure and optimise Moodle hosting environments (Nginx, Apache, PHP-FPM) on cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, or Azure), including Moodle's cron architecture and task scheduling. ▸ Conduct regular security audits, manage Moodle version upgrades, apply patches, and implement hardening measures specific to Moodle environments. ▸ Monitor, profile, and resolve performance bottlenecks in PHP, MySQL, and front-end assets. Collaboration & Leadership ▸ Lead code reviews, establish engineering standards, and mentor junior developers. ▸ Translate business and instructional-design requirements into clear technical specifications. ▸ Communicate progress, risks, and architectural decisions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Required Qualifications ▸ 5+ years of professional Moodle development including custom plugin authorship, theme development, and platform administration. ▸ Deep hands-on expertise with Moodle's plugin API, hook system, capability/role framework, gradebook API, and web services layer. ▸ Expert-level PHP 8+ including OOP, namespaces, Composer, and PSR standards. ▸ Solid command of MySQL / MariaDB: schema design, query optimisation, and migrations. ▸ Demonstrated hands-on experience with SCORM 1.2 / 2004, xAPI, and LTI integration — not just awareness of the specs. ▸ Strong JavaScript (ES6+) and experience with at least one modern front-end framework (React preferred). ▸ Proficiency with Git version control and collaborative branching strategies (GitFlow, trunk-based). ▸ Experience with REST API design and consumption, including authentication (OAuth, JWT, API keys). Preferred Qualifications ▸ Hands-on experience with CMI5, AICC, or emerging IMS standards. ▸ Familiarity with an LRS (Learning Locker, SCORM Cloud, Watershed) and experience querying xAPI data. ▸ WooCommerce development experience including subscriptions, memberships, and custom payment flows. ▸ Experience with Moodle Mobile app customisation or Moodle's mobile web services. ▸ Experience with containerised development environments (Docker, Lando) and cloud deployments. ▸ Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) and assistive technology testing. ▸ Contributions to the Moodle plugins directory or Moodle core codebase. ▸ Relevant certifications: Moodle Certified Developer, ADL xAPI, IMS Global LTI Advantage, AWS, or similar. What Success Looks Like 30 Days Full understanding of the existing codebase, LMS configuration, and active integrations. First minor bug fixes or enhancements shipped to production. 90 Days Independently delivered at least one significant feature or integration. Established as a go-to resource on LMS standards questions within the team. 6 Months Driving architecture decisions, mentoring team members, and owning end-to-end delivery of complex LMS initiatives including e-learning standards compliance. Why Join Us ▸ Work on a platform that directly impacts how people learn and grow. ▸ Fully remote-friendly culture with flexible working hours. ▸ Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and equity / profit-sharing (role dependent). ▸ Annual professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications. ▸ Access to cutting-edge e-learning technology and an experienced team passionate about EdTech. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.