Backend Engineer (Java) (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Backend Engineer (Java) (Gamedev): Building game backends and online game features for a live-service game with an accent on addressing unique technical challenges. Focus on building new services, authoring software design documents, and optimizing for a smoother player experience.

Location: hirify.global is based in Saratoga Springs, NY, and has a strong preference for local candidates willing to work from the office on a hybrid basis (i.e., Tuesday-Thursday). They also support fully remote work for candidates living across New York State or one of the other states in which they're currently registered to conduct business (e.g., CT, DE, GA, KS, MA, MD, NC, OH, PA, TX, WI).

Salary: $100,000-150,000/year. Final base pay will depend upon a combination of factors, including your prior experience, general qualifications, and broader skill set.

Company

hirify.global is a co-dev game studio founded by games industry veterans, focusing on solving difficult problems that face multiplayer games.

What you will do

• Prototype and build online game features and concepts in the backend for a live-service game.
• Develop new services and author software design documents.
• Provide general support for live features and releases.
• Work closely with partners and take/provide technical feedback.
• Contribute to a healthy technical culture that encourages engineers to learn and grow.
• Partner with designers to iterate on features and optimize for a smoother player experience.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of professional experience using Java, ideally as a backend developer in the game or software development industries.
• Deep understanding of relational (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL) databases.
• Familiarity with Java-specific build tooling (e.g., Maven, Gradle).
• Ability to dive into Unreal, Unity, or another game engine to complete a task.
• Willingness to selflessly put player experiences first — before even your own code and ego.
• Ability to comfortably navigate and integrate with one or more cloud service providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proactive approach to communication, particularly when it comes to unblocking yourself and navigating obstacles as part of a team.

Nice to have

• At least one (1) year of professional experience with Kotlin, Scala, or Groovy.
• At least one (1) year of professional experience with C#/.NET, Golang, or Rust.
• Proficiency with Java Database Connectivity (JDBC).
• Experience with Unreal, Unity, or proprietary game engines.
• Familiarity with game server scaling and orchestration frameworks.
• Experience with PlayFab, Epic Online Services, or other popular backend game services.
• Experience integrating Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo APIs or adhering to their Technical Requirements Checklists (TRCs).

Culture & Benefits

• 9 Paid Holidays plus Flexible PTO and Annual Winter Break Closure
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Annual Video Game Budget
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave