Senior Backend Engineer

Picklebet; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Picklebet is seeking a backend engineer to design and build the HTTP APIs and services powering our platform. You will primarily work in Kotlin on production-grade backend systems, with a strong emphasis on scalable, reliable services.

You will own features end-to-end—from inception and design through development, QA, deployment and operation—collaborating with a small, capable team and taking ownership to move the product forward.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial software development experience, preferably focused on backend systems.
• Strong Kotlin or other JVM-language experience, with a willingness to work primarily in Kotlin.
• If you have less than five years of experience but can point to exceptional, relevant work, we would still be interested in hearing from you.
• University qualifications are desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Build HTTP APIs, services and business logic powering the Picklebet platform.
• Design, implement and deliver production backend systems in Kotlin.
• Collaborate across teams from inception through QA, deployment and operation.
• Take ownership and deliver reliable solutions at scale.

Skills

Backend development

API development

Kotlin

JVM languages

Remote work

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

PostgreSQL

SQL

Job description

Below are some of the traits and experience that will make you successful in this role:

• Backend and API development experience - The primary focus of this role is building the HTTP APIs, services and business logic that power the Picklebet platform. You will have a strong track record of designing, building and delivering production backend systems. Picklebet is built using Kotlin; experience with other JVM languages is valuable, but Kotlin will be the language you use day to day.
• Proven ability to get things done - We are a small team that builds and operates a complex, rapidly scaling betting platform. We value engineers who can investigate problems independently, make sound technical decisions, communicate trade-offs and deliver reliable solutions. You should be comfortable taking ownership and getting stuck in when something needs doing, even if it sits outside your usual day-to-day responsibilities.
• End-to-end view of software development - You will work closely with colleagues to deliver features from inception, design and implementation through to QA, deployment and operation. Once live, you will monitor, iterate and improve your solutions based on operational insights and customer feedback.
• Self-managed - We are not big on micromanagement at Picklebet. We give our engineers the freedom to work in the way that helps them perform at their best. In return, we expect you to manage your priorities, communicate progress and risks, and take responsibility for outcomes.
• Scalable and performant solutions - Our growing platform serves customers across multiple jurisdictions, creating interesting challenges around performance, reliability and different market and regulatory requirements. Experience designing and improving scalable backend systems is a valuable asset in this role.
• Databases - We lean heavily on our PostgreSQL database, so strong SQL, relational database design and RDBMS knowledge are essential. Experience diagnosing query performance and making sound data-modelling decisions is particularly valuable.
• Integrations and distributed systems - Our platform integrates with a range of external services and providers. Experience building resilient third-party integrations, handling asynchronous processing and designing for failures across system boundaries will be beneficial.
• Remote working - You need to be able to work effectively remotely. We work remotely by default, with the opportunity to work from our Newstead office if that suits you. We also value opportunities to collaborate face to face.
• Cloud experience - Experience building and operating applications in a cloud environment is essential. Experience configuring, monitoring and maintaining cloud infrastructure is also valuable.
• Ability to work in a team - You need to be able to communicate and collaborate effectively in a team environment. We are continually trying to improve, so we are looking for people who contribute thoughtful feedback, new ideas and practical approaches that move our team and product forward.
• Gambling industry - You must be comfortable working in the gambling industry; we understand that it is not for everyone. Knowledge of betting products or experience in regulated environments would be a plus.
• Education - A bachelor’s degree or equivalent commercial experience.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of commercial software development experience, preferably focused on backend systems.
• Strong Kotlin or other JVM-language experience, with a willingness to work primarily in Kotlin.
• If you have less than five years of experience but can point to exceptional, relevant work, we would still be interested in hearing from you.
• University qualifications are desirable but not essential.