Game Backend Engineer

We are Kolibri Games - a mobile games developer from Berlin. We believe that with the best people, we can make games that players will enjoy for years to come. Our games have defined the idle genre, and bring enjoyment to hundreds of millions of players all around the world. This is possible due to the talented people who make us who we are. 'Kolibris', as we call ourselves, are on a mission to continue making great games and we're looking for new talent to join our team. We strive to offer you a fair recruitment process and a great candidate experience, as well as a friendly environment to work in, with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain scalable and efficient server-side systems for multiplayer games.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand gameplay requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Develop and optimize network communication protocols to ensure smooth and low-latency gameplay experiences.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks and optimize server performance to handle a large number of concurrent players.
• Implement secure authentication, authorization, and data storage mechanisms to protect player data and ensure fair play.
• Support in the development of client side SDKs to communicate with our backend.
• Participate in code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and maintain high coding standards.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to game backend development.

Requirements

• 2+ years of professional experience in game backend development or a related field.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages commonly used in backend development, such as Python, Java, C#, or Go. C# and Typescript preferred.
• Solid understanding of networking concepts and protocols, including TCP/UDP, HTTP, and WebSocket.
• Experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for deploying and managing backend services. Azure preferred.
• Familiarity with database design and optimization, including relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Redis).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and address issues in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Passion for video games and a strong interest in staying updated with the latest trends in the gaming industry.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Understanding of NodeJS and Typescript.
• Background in developing with Unity.
• Knowledge of serverless architecture and event-driven programming.
• Familiarity with microservices architecture and RESTful API design.
• Previous experience working on large-scale multiplayer games or real-time applications.
• Understanding of security best practices in online gaming, including cheat detection and prevention.
• Contribution to open-source projects or personal game development projects.
• Background in machine learning and AI for implementing intelligent game features.

What We Offer

• Hybrid Work: We understand how important flexibility is. That's why we offer a hybrid work setup and flexible hours, allowing you to balance your time between the office and remote work.
• Modern Office Space: Our new, centrally located office in Berlin-Mitte has everything you need to excel. We also have plenty of opportunities for fun, with table tennis and kicker tables, meeting spaces, and a sleek modern design.
• Health & Fitness Bonus: We provide a monthly fitness bonus. Enjoy your time outside the office by picking the activity that suits you, from Urban Sports Club, to covering your gym membership.
• Company Holidays: We plan amazing company holidays to relax and bond as a team.
• Learning Budget: We're serious about supporting your professional growth. You'll get a yearly learning budget to spend on any form of learning that will help you develop your skills and grow in your role.
• Relocation: Moving to another country can be stressful. Our HR team will guide and support you, making sure that you (and your family) make your way to Berlin as smoothly as possible.
• 30 Days Holiday: Our company implements a 30-day yearly holiday policy for all Kolibris. This means you have plenty of time to enjoy life outside of work.
• Fun Social Events: From BBQ's and movie nights to team lunches and more. We also have a team event budget you can use to buy games or sports equipment to make working here even more fun. On Fridays after work, there's dinner and drinks waiting for everyone at the office.

Kolibri Games is an equal opportunity employer. We come from 40 different countries and many different backgrounds. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of their age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, physical appearance or disability. We are an international studio, so don't forget to send in your application in English. Although it is not mandatory, we always appreciate a cover letter stating your motivation to join us. We look forward to hearing from you!