Backend Engineer

Job Title: Backend Engineer

Department/Team: Engineering

Reports To: Backend Engineering Manager

Job Summary

The Backend Engineer at FlowPlay is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing server-side applications and databases that support our social casino and online gaming platforms. The person in this role will design and implement scalable, secure, and efficient backend systems that handle game logic, player data, and integration with various services. This role is located in our Seattle office and requires two days in office (Mondays and Wednesdays).

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain server-side applications using Java, Spring Boot and related technologies
• Develop, optimize and maintain database solutions
• Develop and maintain APIs for communication between frontend and backend systems
• Ensure high performance, responsiveness and scalability of backend systems
• Collaborate with frontend developers and other teams to integrate backend services
• Participate in peer code reviews and contribute to the improvement of development practices
• Troubleshoot and resolve backend-related issues and performance bottlenecks
• Stay current with backend technologies and industry best practices
• Contribute to technical documentation and specifications

Performance Expectations

• Deliver high-quality, efficient and well-documented software artifacts that meets project requirements
• Ensure the reliability and performance of backend systems under high-load conditions
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of backend architecture and development processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate backend services
• Meet project deadlines and communicate progress clearly

Required Skills and Competencies:

Technical skills

• Proficiency in Java programming and related frameworks
• Strong experience with MySQL and database optimization techniques
• Familiarity with cloud services and infrastructure (AWS or GCP)
• Understanding of RESTful API design and implementation
• Knowledge of backend security best practices

Soft skills

• Excellent problem-solving and logical thinking abilities
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adaptability to changing project requirements and technologies

Additional skills (preferred but not required):

• Experience with Spring Boot framework
• Familiarity with other relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, Oracle)
• Knowledge of NoSQL databases
• Understanding of microservices architecture
• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)

Other Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of backend development experience with Java
• Experience with version control systems such as Apache SVN and Git, and agile development methodologies
• Understanding of scalability challenges in high-traffic applications
• Passion for creating robust and efficient backend solutions for gaming or similar interactive platforms

What We Offer

At FlowPlay, we pride ourselves on being a company that we all love working for. We have been 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.

• Autonomy to shape our modern automation strategy and toolset from day one.
• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Fully-paid medical (PPO), dental, and vision plans
• Accrued PTO and 12 holidays annually, PTO increases with tenure
• Paid Parental Leave
• A hybrid work culture with two in-office days per week (Monday / Wednesday)
• 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: $160,000 - $175,000 + Bonus + Equity