Principal Node.js Engineer

Twin Harbour Interactive; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Twin Harbour Interactive in Hamburg is searching for a Principal Node.js Engineer. This role involves transforming backend services, leading architectural decisions, and mentoring developers. Ideal candidates should have at least 7 years in TypeScript/Node.js development, experience with agile methodologies, and familiarity with cloud technologies. The company values innovation, team collaboration, and agile work processes, providing a dynamic environment for game development enthusiasts.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of professional experience in TypeScript/Node.js development.
• Proven experience in software service architecture methodologies.
• Experienced with unit/integration/end-to-end testing.
• Good understanding of relational databases and containers.
• Experience with multi-server, high-load Node.js applications and cloud technologies.
• Interest in and some experience with AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation of the core PHP backend into decoupled services.
• Drive architectural decisions for new services.
• Contribute high-quality and maintainable TypeScript code.
• Mentor and guide developers on your team.
• Promote and implement security and testing best practices.

Skills

TypeScript/Node.js development

Software service architecture methodologies

Unit/integration/end-to-end testing

Relational databases

Cloud technologies (GCP)

Agile methodologies (Kanban)

Tools

NestJS

Docker

Kubernetes

MySQL

Postgres

Redis

Memcache

Sentry

Datadog

Sonar

Job description

Overview

At Twin Harbour Interactive we strive to develop high-quality strategy games and make them accessible for all players around the world. In our eyes game development is a promise for fun and entertainment – that’s what we live and aim for!

Innovation is part of our DNA. We actively integrate Artificial Intelligence to reduce repetitive tasks and create space for what really matters: strategic thinking and human connection. We don\'t just use AI - we look for people who can shape the way we work with it.

Our staff is multicultural and international. We have flat hierarchies, open communication culture, and support the autonomous work of our agile working teams. We believe in efficient work where each of our employees contributes to the success of our games.

As a Principal Node.js Engineer, you will have a pivotal role in the extension and improvement of our backend services. You bring the expertise needed to ensure the development of stable, performant, scalable, secure, and maintainable code. You will work towards improving our development workflows and best practices. You will help with the coordination with product teams and technical leads, and will work side by side with the product manager to decide priorities and the long term technical strategy of the team.

YOUR TASKS

• Lead the transformation of our core PHP monolithic backend into a secure, performant and well architected set of decoupled services.
• Drive architectural decisions for new services.
• Promote and implement security, testing and development best practices.
• Contribute high-quality and maintainable TypeScript code using NestJS framework.
• Work with a variety of tools and technologies including Sentry, Datadog, Sonar, Docker, Kubernetes, Mysql, Postgres, Redis, Memcache and Pub/Sub.
• Take ownership of important tech KPIs to ensure a smooth development process.
• Work closely with the Head of Platform shaping the technical vision and project roadmap.
• Collaborate with our quality engineers to fully integrate them into our development process.
• Lead integration of new APIs, payment systems, and data tracking.
• Mentor and guide developers on your team.
• Drive technical discussions and be responsible for technical decisions when team-wide consensus is not reached.

YOUR PROFILE

• At least 7 years of professional experience in TypeScript/Node.js development.
• Proven experience in software service architecture methodologies (i.e. DDD) and in PHP 7/8 and PHP frameworks in the context of understanding legacy codebases.
• Experienced with unit/integration/end-to-end testing and modern Node.js frameworks.
• Good understanding of relational databases and containers.
• You have worked on multi-server, high-load Node.js applications and APIs; and have gained experience working with cloud technologies (i.e. GCP).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and able to write easy to understand, well-structured and maintainable code using design patterns appropriately.
• You can quickly get familiar with complex code bases.
• Interest in and already some experience augmenting your work with AI tools (i.e. Claude Code, Codex or Gemini).
• You have the ability to understand business needs and translate them into technical requirements.
• You are an experienced coach and mentor. You are able to facilitate technical discussions within and outside the team.
• Practiced agile methodologies, specifically Kanban.
• You are enthusiastic about games and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team. Having past game development experience is a plus.
• Fluent in technical and business English.
• You are interested in learning outside of the box and also taking over full-stack development tasks.