Server Engineer - Multiplayer & Backend Systems (Java/Akka)

2K; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the educational gaming sector is seeking a Server Engineer to develop robust backend systems that enhance multiplayer experiences. In this remote role, you'll design server logic, manage microservices, and migrate existing applications to modern frameworks. Join us to shape impactful educational tools for children and collaborate with a creative team committed to making learning engaging and transformative.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Competitive compensation

Opportunity for meaningful equity

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Java and Akka or similar frameworks.
• Solid grasp of networking and distributed systems.
• Experience with AWS or other cloud services.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize server-side logic for gaming applications.
• Develop backend microservices and APIs.
• Manage server loads and ensure performance in high-traffic environments.

Skills

Java

Akka

Distributed Systems

Microservices

Cloud Deployments

Tools

RabbitMQ

DynamoDB

Redis

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

Job description

Location: United States - Remote

Boddle is welcoming a Server Engineer to scale its mission of bringing joy and confidence in learning for kids. Already used by millions of kids, Boddle is building a lifelong kids brand that makes a lasting impact on education and growth. We're crafting unforgettable learning experiences through play — and we need your skills to help us build the systems that make that magic possible.

Join our team to design and develop the critical backend infrastructure that powers seamless multiplayer interactions, live game events, and a safe, high-performance environment for players around the world.

What You'll Do:

• Design, implement, and optimize scalable server-side logic for high-performance gaming applications.
• Develop and maintain backend microservices, APIs, and serverless functions supporting complex game features.
• Ensure security, reliability, and performance of backend infrastructure, managing server loads in high-traffic environments.
• Lead migration of Java-based game server applications from legacy Java (Java 8) to newer versions (Java 17+).
• Implement and manage queuing/messaging systems (RabbitMQ, AWS SQS/SNS) and asynchronous architectures.
• Optimize and manage non-relational databases (DynamoDB) and caching solutions (Redis/ElastiCache).
• Manage real-time message transfers and optimize data payloads using WebSockets and efficient JSON structures.
• Set up, maintain, and enhance CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions) and automated deployments using Maven or Gradle.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve backend issues with comprehensive logging and monitoring tools (New Relic, DataDog, Sentry, Logstash).
• Continuously research and apply best practices in scalable, secure, and performant game-server architecture.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong experience with Java and Akka (or similar actor-based frameworks).
• Solid grasp of networking, distributed systems, and real-time multiplayer challenges.
• Experience designing scalable microservices and managing cloud-based deployments (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Passion for games and creating systems that bring them to life.
• Proven experience migrating legacy Java (Java 8) applications to modern Java versions (Java 17+).

Why Join Us?

• The chance to shape systems critical to the success of our students and educators.
• A collaborative, supportive team that values experimentation, creativity, and purpose.
• Flexibility to work from anywhere (or alongside our Tulsa-based team!).
• Competitive compensation, meaningful equity, and room to grow as we grow.

How to Apply:

Send your resume, portfolio, or relevant experience to [e-mail] with the title "Game Server Role"