Senior Backend Programmer

People Can Fly; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading independent AAA game developer known for its innovative approach to action games. This exciting role involves designing and implementing backend services tailored for online gaming, collaborating with passionate teams, and optimizing service performance. With over 20 years of experience, this company offers a dynamic work environment where you can enhance your skills and contribute to groundbreaking projects. Enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working hours, private healthcare, and personal development opportunities while working alongside industry leaders in a diverse and inclusive culture.

Benefits

Private Medical Healthcare

BUPA Dental Insurance

Wellbeing Platform - Gympass

Online Language Classes

Pension Scheme

Flexible Working Hours

Free Virtual Health Sessions

Personal Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in console/PC game development.
• Strong skills in primary programming languages and source control tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement backend services for online gaming.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance stability and features.

Skills

Console/PC Game Development

Kotlin

Java

Go

Python

Ruby

C#

Mentoring Skills

Communication Skills

Education

6+ years in Game Development

Experience in Production Cycle

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

SQL (Postgres)

Redis

JIRA

Confluence

Swarm

Perforce

Git

Job description

Job Description

Core:

• Propose, implement, and own tasks and features in a timely fashion.
• Provide regular updates to the production team.
• Collaborate with PCF Online Services to integrate and develop shared components, enhancing stability and features of shared modules.
• Consider the performance implications of your work.
• Break down your tasks, update progress, ask questions, raise issues, and propose solutions to relevant stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Principal and Project Architect to implement high-quality features and code, proactively addressing risks.
• Participate in code reviews to share knowledge and learn from team members.
• Support Lead in recruitment projects with HR collaboration as needed.
• Stay informed of best practices and technical solutions used at the company.
• Coordinate with QA teams to define testing requirements for new and existing features.

Backend:

• Design and implement backend services for the PCF Online Services Platform, tailored for online gaming.
• Develop tools and frameworks for seamless backend service integration with game clients and servers.
• Implement security measures and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
• Optimize online service performance focusing on server efficiency and user load management.
• Resolve technical issues and support ongoing updates for stable performance.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in console/PC game development.
• Involvement in the production cycle of at least one title.
• Strong skills in primary programming languages.
• Good knowledge of source control and code review tools (e.g., Swarm, Perforce, Git).
• Experience with project management software (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
• Ability to work autonomously.
• 5+ years developing high-scalability online services handling large user bases.
• Familiarity or willingness to learn Kotlin, Java, and Go.
• Expertise or willingness to learn Python, Ruby, and C#.
• Proficiency with Docker, Kubernetes, and at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Experience with SQL databases (e.g., Postgres) and Redis, focusing on scalability.
• Experience managing backend systems under high traffic and data volume.
• Solid understanding of client-server methodologies.
• Knowledge of scalability, security, and maintainable code.
• Strong mentoring and communication skills in English.

Nice to have:

• Experience with full product development cycle, including post-launch operations.
• Skills in C/C++ for handling complex issues.
• Experience in leading tech companies like FAANG is a plus.
• Understanding of Unreal Engine for game development.
• Familiarity with OpenAPI, code generation tools, and monitoring tools like Prometheus, InfluxDB, Loki, Grafana.
• Knowledge of OpenTelemetry.
• Video game-specific experience.

Additional Information

What we offer:

• Private medical healthcare (Vitality) and BUPA dental insurance.
• Access to wellbeing platform - Gympass.
• Online language classes in Polish and English.
• Pension scheme access.
• Flexible working hours.
• Free virtual health and mental wellbeing sessions.
• Personal development opportunities in a global environment.
• Work with passionate, creative teams.

We promote an inclusive, diverse work culture. PCF is an equal opportunity employer, respecting all protected statuses.

Company Description

People Can Fly is a leading independent AAA game developer with an international team across Poland, UK, Ireland, US, Canada, and remote workers worldwide.

Founded in 2002, known for titles like Painkiller, Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgment, and Outriders. Experts in Unreal Engine, developing in-house solutions like PCF Framework.

Currently working on projects including Gemini with Square Enix, Gears of War: E-Day with Microsoft, and others in VR and undisclosed areas.

With over 20 years of experience, we aim to innovate in action games, combining expertise with top industry talents to deliver new experiences to players globally.

Join us to enhance your skills and collaborate with industry leaders on exciting projects.