Senior Backend Engineer (GameDev)

TL;DR

Senior Backend Engineer (GameDev): Designing, building, and enhancing features for a self-built Java game engine and platform with an accent on stability, performance, scalability, security, and maintainability. Focus on implementing innovative game features, hardening reliability for live operations, and actively participating in architectural decisions.

Location: Hybrid, based in San Ġiljan, Malta or Hamburg, Germany

Company

hirify.global is a global strategy game powerhouse, shaping the future of long-term multiplayer gaming.

What you will do

• Lead and work on the Java Backend for existing and upcoming games, with comfort in other languages like PHP.
• Maintain and extend the Java Backend, actively driving quality initiatives.
• Design, develop, test, deploy, and improve high-quality, maintainable software.
• Define SLOs, add metrics/tracing/logging, and continuously harden reliability & performance for live operations.
• Collaborate with game designers and product leads to implement new features.
• Mentor and support other engineers through code reviews, pair programming, and knowledge-sharing.

Requirements

• 7+ years of proven experience in Java development, demonstrating strong coding and debugging skills.
• Proficiency in popular Java frameworks such as Spring, Spring Boot, JUnit5, and Gradle.
• Fluent in technical and business English.
• Experience developing and maintaining multi-server, high-load backend services and APIs.
• Familiarity with SQL and NoSQL databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB.
• Deep understanding of computer science fundamentals such as object-oriented design, algorithms, and software architecture patterns.

Nice to have

• Good understanding of Javascript/Typescript and eagerness to learn PHP, Node.js.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively integrate AI tools into development workflows.
• Experience with cloud platforms (GCP preferred) and CI/CD (GitHub Actions).
• Hands-on experience with agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible hybrid work models.
• Career Path Framework and mentorship culture for professional growth.
• Support for language courses, e-learning platforms, conferences, and training.
• Diverse global team with over 30 nationalities.
• Regular social events like game nights, casual drinks, quiz nights, and karaoke.
• Flat hierarchy and an environment that values innovation and ownership.