The Opportunity

CNET Group is seeking an accomplished Lead WordPress VIP Engineer with proven experience in developing, deploying, and maintaining high-traffic, enterprise-level websites on the WordPress VIP platform. We require expertise in high-performance optimization, strict security compliance, scalable infrastructure management, and complex third-party system integrations. You should be motivated by curiosity, driven to enhance your skills, and eager to contribute to high-impact websites used by millions.

As a Lead Software Engineer, you will help evolve and maintain the platforms powering CNET and its network of high-traffic, content-rich sites. Your work will involve modern JavaScript frameworks and enterprise WordPress, building performant and SEO-friendly experiences for millions of readers monthly.

You will develop new features using custom Gutenberg blocks, enhance existing Vue/Nuxt codebases, and collaborate across teams to improve platform performance, stability, and maintainability. This role is ideal for an engineer comfortable with both legacy systems and modern tooling.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a decoupled architecture for front-end presentation layers using React and the WordPress REST API to achieve superior scalability and faster iteration cycles.
• Participate in and contribute to code reviews, providing constructive feedback and identifying potential code inconsistencies.
• Develop robust, secure, and scalable integrations with critical third-party services, including e-commerce platforms and subscription management systems.
• Design and architect complex, custom WordPress themes and plugins for deployment on the WordPress VIP platform, prioritizing performance, maintainability, and security.

Job Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience in full-stack web development, with a significant focus on the WordPress ecosystem.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects from conception through deployment.
• Deep experience with modern WordPress development, including:
  • Demonstrable expertise with the WordPress VIP platform (or similar enterprise WordPress hosting/standards).
  • Expert-level proficiency in PHP (modern object-oriented) and MySQL.
  • Strong experience developing with the WordPress REST API and/or GraphQL for decoupled/headless architectures (e.g., using React or Vue.js).
  • Deep understanding of caching layers (object caching, full page caching, CDNs) and tools like New Relic, Prometheus, or Grafana for performance monitoring.
  • Using Timber/Twig for templating and Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) for theme development.
  • Experience with WordPress Multisite environments at scale.
  • Experience with Gutenberg block development (both static and dynamic).
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in complex, distributed systems.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and UX/UI Designers to translate business requirements and designs into technical specifications and scalable implementations.
• Contribute to technical documentation and architecture diagrams for developed solutions.
• Proficiency with Git and experience defining or managing CI/CD pipelines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure, application, and database issues in high-pressure, production environments.
• Proven experience writing and maintaining automated test suites using frameworks such as PHPUnit (for PHP/WordPress backend logic).
• Familiarity with Agile development practices and the ability to break down work into deliverable units.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, emphasizing effective cross-team collaboration.

About CNET Group

CNET Group, a division of Ziff Davis, is the world's leading technology and consumer electronics media brand, dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge needed for smart buying decisions. It serves as a trusted global marketplace connecting technology buyers and sellers with precise intent data. We offer tech brands unparalleled visibility into in-market accounts and buyers by leveraging our scale, quality, and diversity of data. Through first-party data (Community, Tools, Editorial) and extensive data access, CNET Group leads in demand-based, intelligent, omnichannel marketing.

About Ziff Davis

Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD) is a vertically focused digital media and internet company with leading brands in technology, shopping, gaming and entertainment, connectivity, health, cybersecurity, and martech. Our portfolio includes IGN, Mashable, RetailMeNot, PCMag, Humble Bundle, Spiceworks, Ookla (Speedtest), RootMetrics, Everyday Health, BabyCenter, Moz, iContact, and Vipre Security.

Our Benefits

CNET Group provides competitive salaries and robust health and wellness benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as life and disability benefits. Employees benefit from Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), a 401(k) with company match, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

We prioritize work-life balance with Flexible Time Off, Volunteer Time Off, and paid holidays. We offer family building and caregiving support, including generous Family Care and Parental leave. Fitness Reimbursement and access to wellness programs are also available to support employee health.

Ziff Davis is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We offer Employee Resource Groups, company-sponsored events, and regular professional growth opportunities through educational support, mentorship programs, and career development resources. Employee engagement programs and recognition awards celebrate our team's contributions.

If you seek a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your performance has a direct impact and you can thrive personally and professionally, Ziff Davis CNET Group is the place for you.

Ziff Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Ziff Davis is centered on fairness, equal opportunity, and belonging, enabling us to attract and retain top talent regardless of background and empowering our global employees to thrive.