Jobs in Manchester, United Kingdom

Companion Group is a AAA co-development gaming studio with a globally distributed and fully remote setup, renowned for its adeptness in overcoming the most intricate challenges in multiplayer game development. Our reputation precedes us as an excellent choice for clients aspiring to elevate their latest multiplayer titles, enabling scalability in player numbers, maximising player density, and crafting immersive gameplay experiences.

Embedded seamlessly within a client's in-house team, we collaborate harmoniously to turn dreams into reality. Our portfolio boasts groundbreaking games developed in collaboration with major studios worldwide. As a fully remote studio with colleagues across the globe, we value and emphasise clear, continuous and transparent communication as highly as technical skills.

As our Senior Backend Game Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable backend systems and services that support our game titles. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to implement robust backend solutions that enhance the gameplay experience and ensure seamless multiplayer functionality.

Responsibilities:

• Be a part of the technical design and implementation of backend systems for multiplayer online titles, ensuring seamless connectivity and performance.
• Develop and optimize cross-platform authentication systems, matchmaking systems, lobby systems, and scalable server orchestration to enhance player engagement.
• Architect high-performance backend services for real-time gameplay, leveraging C++, C#, Go (Golang), NodeJS.
• Collaborate with network engineers, gameplay programmers, and DevOps teams to integrate multiplayer features with minimal latency.
• Profile, optimize, and scale backend services to ensure reliability, extensibility, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop robust API services and microservices architectures, facilitating seamless data exchange between game clients and servers.
• Provide accurate development estimates, documentation, and reporting to support project planning and execution.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent programming skills in two or more of the following languages: C++, C#, Go (Golang), NodeJS (C++ and C# preferred).
• Strong Experience with at least one of the following Cloud Providers (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Strong understanding of distributed systems and data structures and algorithms (DSA).
• 5+ years of professional backend development experience (preferably in the game industry).
• Solid experience with real-time networking, WebSockets, RPCs, REST APIs, gRPC, etc.
• Hands-on experience with matchmaking algorithms, player session management, and anti-cheat systems.
• Deep understanding of database systems, including SQL & NoSQL solutions (PostgreSQL, Redis, MongoDB, etc.).
• Strong grasp of microservices architecture, server orchestration, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience working in high-performance, low-latency environments, optimizing backend logic for multiplayer scalability.

Bonus Skills:

• Expertise with modern DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and automated infrastructure management.
• Expertise with off-the-shelf GBaaS solutions (e.g. Azure Playfab, AccelByte AGS, Heroic Labs Nakama, Pragma).
• Experience with online gaming platforms such as Xbox Live, Playstation Network, Steam, Nintendo Network, or similar.
• Understanding of UE5’s networking framework and Client-Server Game Architecture.

Rewards:

• Competitive salary ranging from £50,000 to £70,000 (GBP), reflecting your skills and contribution.
• Embark on a clearly defined career ladder, enabling you to progress in responsibilities and be rewarded accordingly.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a fully remote role, collaborating with top game developers from around the world.
• Join forces with industry leaders who will inspire and guide you on your path to success.

Apply now and embark on an incredible journey with one of the best game studios in the world!