About the role
We are looking for a Senior Backend Engineer to build and scale the backend of a high-traffic gaming companion site.
The mandatory requirements are 5+ years of backend development with TypeScript on Node.js, PostgreSQL or MySQL, Redis caching, REST and GraphQL APIs, daily use of AI coding tools, and an upper-intermediate English level.
What you will do
- Build and maintain REST and GraphQL APIs in TypeScript (Fastify, Hono) for user profiles, subscriptions and game data, including authentication, rate limits and typed contracts.
- Design schemas and write queries for PostgreSQL and MySQL (Prisma, Drizzle), including versioned game data, player builds and migrations on tables in live use.
- Run ClickHouse analytics pipelines: request logs, materialized views, article and revenue metrics, and the queries behind dashboards.
- Own the cache layers end to end: Redis-compatible stores, query caching, tag-invalidated cache, HTTP headers and CDN purges.
- Build and run scheduled jobs and queue consumers (NATS) for game data sync, leaderboards, Meilisearch indexing, sitemaps, Stripe webhooks, payouts and data-deletion requests.
- Integrate third-party APIs (Stripe, Discord, Blizzard, IGDB, Steam, YouTube), handling retries, backoff and rate limits.
- Process game images into map tiles, sprite sheets and responsive image sizes.
- Keep responses lean for Remix and Next.js pages to improve time to first byte, PageSpeed and SEO.
- Work with AI coding agents every day: direct them, review their output, and maintain the guardrails that make their changes safe to merge (tests, lint rules, build checks, agent instructions).
- Deploy through Docker, GitHub Actions and Kubernetes.
- Support high-traffic game launches, including outside regular hours when needed.
Must haves
- 5+ years of backend development with TypeScript on Node.js.
- Strong command of TypeScript’s type system (generics, inference, discriminated unions, narrowing).
- Schema validation experience with Zod or similar.
- Strong SQL skills in PostgreSQL and/or MySQL: schema design, indexing, query plans, migrations on live data, transactions and locking.
- Experience running an analytical database at production volume (ClickHouse preferred; BigQuery, Druid or similar also count).
- Experience designing caching: Redis or a compatible store, invalidation strategies, HTTP cache headers, CDN behavior.
- Experience designing and consuming REST and GraphQL APIs, including authentication and rate limiting.
- Experience with background jobs and message queues, including handling jobs that run twice or don’t run at all.
- Experience with high-volume, user-facing production applications.
- Experience taking a product from idea to production.
- Proficiency with agentic AI coding tools (Claude Code, Cursor or similar): daily, hands-on use in a real codebase, and good judgment about when their output needs checking.
- Comfortable reading and changing React code when a feature reaches the frontend.
- Able to work well in a startup-style, fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
- Flexible about working hours: some game launches happen in the evening or on weekends and need coverage outside the standard 9-to-5.
- Passion for gaming.
- Upper-intermediate English level.
Nice to haves
- Experience with Bun.
- Experience with any of the current stack: Remix, Next.js, Fastify, Hono, Prisma, Drizzle, Apollo GraphQL, Meilisearch, NATS, Ory, Stripe, Nx.
- shadcn/ui and Tailwind CSS.
- Strict lint setups (typescript-eslint strictTypeChecked, custom lint rules, architecture boundaries).
- Docker, Kubernetes, GitOps (ArgoCD), GitHub Actions, External Secrets.
- Payments and subscriptions (Stripe checkout, webhooks, promotion codes).
- Writing agent instructions, skills or custom tooling for AI coding agents.
- Experience building game tools, such as databases, interactive maps, calculators or planners.
Perks
- Growth without limits: build your skills through mentorship, internal TechTalks, challenging projects, and a dedicated annual learning budget
- Competitive compensation: get recognition that reflects your skills and impact, with regular performance and compensation reviews
- Flexibility: work 100% remotely with flexible hours that support focus, autonomy, and a healthy work rhythm
- Meaningful, modern projects: build impactful products using modern technologies alongside global teams and leading brands
- Collaborative culture: join a supportive environment with zero micromanagement where ideas are welcomed and contributions are recognized
- Well-being & support: access local well-being programs and people-focused support tailored to your location
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Hiring process timeline
We designed our hiring process to be fast, transparent, and convenient — so you always know what to expect and can move through the steps without unnecessary delays.
A quick note
After applying, keep an eye on your inbox — including your spam folder. Occasionally, emails from our hiring platform, LaunchPod, may land there.
Tell us about yourself
Submit a short application form.
Pass a quick test
Pass a 30’- 60’ test.
Record a short video
Introduce yourself on video to fast-track your application process.
Meet our team
Once you pass the video review, grab a spot on our calendar for a technical interview.
Get an offer
Welcome to AgileEngine!
Have any questions?
What is the work format and schedule?
We are a remote-first company, so all our positions are remote. Schedules are flexible, but the main requirement is to have an overlap with your client’s schedule to ensure smooth collaboration. Specific details depend on the project and are discussed during the interview process.
What level of English is required?
We look for Upper-Intermediate (B2) proficiency or higher. Since you will be collaborating with international teams and global clients (including Fortune 500 companies), English is a part of your daily work.
Does AgileEngine provide work equipment?
It depends on your location. We provide equipment in Ukraine, Poland, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Portugal, Spain, and India. In the USA, equipment is usually provided by the client; otherwise, you will be expected to use your own setup.
What opportunities for professional growth do you offer?
We support continuous growth through personalized development paths tailored to each expert. Also, you can expect:
- An annual learning and development budget
- Internal workshops, tech talks, and mentorship programs
- Opportunities to switch projects or grow into new roles over time
What does a typical team look like, and what tools do you use?
Teams vary by project, but you’ll usually work with a mix of experts across different fields, along with a delivery or project manager who supports collaboration and onboarding.
For day-to-day work, teams commonly use tools like Jira and Google Workspace, along with communication platforms such as Google Chat. Depending on the client, you may also work with Slack, Confluence, Notion, or similar tools.
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