Sr. Backend Engineer

FlowPlay is a dynamic game studio located in the heart of Seattle that has been creating community-focused virtual worlds since 2007. With a large global player base and multiple game worlds that span mobile and desktop platforms. FlowPlay has built an incredible team over the years, with an average employee tenure of over 7 years. We embrace a hybrid work environment, with staff working in our employee-friendly office two days per week (Monday and Wednesday), and remotely on the remaining days.

FlowPlay is looking for a Sr. Backend Engineer who will be responsible for architecting, developing, and optimizing complex server-side applications and databases that power our social casino and online gaming platforms. The person in this role will lead backend development efforts, mentor junior engineers, and ensure the scalability, security, and efficiency of our backend systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement advanced backend architectures using Java and related technologies
• Develop and optimize high-performance database solutions as well as maintaining and evolving our current database infrastructure
• Lead the development of scalable RESTful APIs and microservices
• Architect and manage cloud-based infrastructure and services (GCP preferred)
• Implement advanced security measures and best practices for data protection
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on backend projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate backend services with other systems
• Conduct code reviews and drive the adoption of best practices in backend development
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend issues and performance bottlenecks
• Stay current with emerging backend technologies and evaluate their potential for adoption
• Contribute to technical strategy and long-term architecture planning

Performance Expectations:

• Deliver high-quality, scalable backend solutions that meet complex business requirements
• Drive continuous improvement in backend architecture, performance, and development processes
• Effectively mentor and develop the skills of junior backend engineers
• Proactively identify and address potential backend issues before they impact system performance
• Contribute innovative ideas to improve backend capabilities and developer productivity

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Expert proficiency in Java programming and related frameworks
• Advanced experience with MySQL and database optimization for high-scale applications
• Strong knowledge of cloud services and infrastructure
• Expertise in RESTful API design and microservices architecture
• In-depth understanding of backend security principles and best practices
• Excellent problem-solving and logical thinking abilities
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to code quality
• Outstanding communication skills, both technical and non-technical
• Self-starter mentality with the ability to take initiative on projects
• Proven ability to mentor and educate other engineers

Additional skills (preferred but not required):

• · Experience with Spring Boot framework
• · Proficiency in other relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, Oracle)
• · Knowledge of NoSQL databases and their use cases
• · Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• · Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines

Other Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; advanced degree a plus
• Minimum of 5 years of backend development experience, with a focus on high-scale applications
• Proven track record of designing and implementing successful backend systems
• Experience with agile development methodologies and leading technical projects
• Passion for creating robust, scalable backend solutions for gaming or similar interactive platforms

Join the FlowPlay team!

At FlowPlay, we pride ourselves on being a company that we all love working for. We are regularly featured among the 20 best places to work in Seattle (according to Seattle Business Magazine), and our average tenure in the company is almost 8 years. Despite delivering large and successful games with global reach, we have a small team culture where each colleague’s impact can be felt. In surveys, our employees report high satisfaction rates, and say that they enjoy getting to know and work with each other and value working on games that bring people joy.

We offer:

• Fully-paid medical (PPO), dental, and vision plans
• 15 days of PTO and 12 holidays annually, PTO increases with tenure
• A hybrid work culture with two in-office days per week
• Catered meals
• A fully stocked pantry of snacks and drinks
• Fun social gatherings
• A 401k plan with 4% company matching
• Long-term disability
• Life insurance
• FSA plan for Medical and Dependent Care

Compensation includes a base salary of $140,000-175,000 + bonus + equity.