{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"c35309b6ab0b624b49ea7e69","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c35309b6ab0b624b49ea7e69","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c35309b6ab0b624b49ea7e69","title":"Backend Engineer (Java, SQL)","description":"About The CompanyGardens Interactive is a fully remote game studio dedicated to creating games that emphasize connection, collective adventure, and emergent storytelling. Our core belief is that the spirit in which we build games is reflected in the experiences our players have. We foster a collaborative environment where curiosity, resilience, ambition, and mutual care shape the worlds we create. Our team is passionate about delivering magical, shared experiences that bring players together. Founded by creators behind acclaimed titles such as Journey, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Guild Wars 2, Gardens is developing a flagship multiplayer fantasy adventure inspired by friendships, discoveries, and unforgettable stories that emerge through exploration.About The RoleWe are seeking a Lead Backend Engineer to manage and grow our backend engineering team while contributing hands-on to critical systems. This role involves leading a team of backend engineers by setting goals, mentoring, and supporting career development. You will own backend architecture evolution, reliability, and infrastructure cost management. You will collaborate closely with game design, marketing, production, and technical leadership to align engineering efforts with the creative vision and technical roadmap. This position requires a strong technical background, leadership skills, and the ability to operate with high ownership in a lean, dynamic environment.Qualifications6+ years of professional backend engineering experience, preferably in games or live-service development2+ years of experience managing or leading engineering teamsProficiency in Kotlin or JavaFamiliarity with Kubernetes, Grafana, Terraform, and load-testing toolsExperience scaling backend systems for a global audience, including debugging, monitoring, and alertingStrong understanding of software architecture and design patterns with sound judgmentExperience working cross-functionally with design, marketing, and production teams on shipped or in-development gamesExcellent communication skills, capable of explaining technical trade-offs to non-engineersAbility to operate with high ownership in a lean team environment, wearing multiple hatsNice to have: Experience launching and operating live-service gamesNice to have: Experience at independent or mid-size studiosLegal authorization to work in the United States or Canada and willingness to work within North American time zones (EST–PST)ResponsibilitiesLead, mentor, and grow a team of backend engineers through goal setting, feedback, and career development supportCreate hiring plans and conduct technical interviews aligned with product needsOwn team processes including planning, code review standards, on-call duties, bug triage, and work scoping/estimatingFoster a healthy, high-trust engineering culture at a mid-size studio scaleReview pull requests and unblock engineers facing complex technical challengesDevelop and evolve backend architecture and write production code for critical systemsManage system reliability, service level objectives, incident response, and infrastructure cost optimizationCollaborate closely with game design, marketing, production, and technical leadership to align engineering with creative vision and technical roadmapCommunicate engineering status, risks, and trade-offs clearly to studio leadershipBenefitsCompetitive salaries with pay transparencyStock optionsMedical, dental, and vision coverage (100% for individuals, 90% for dependents)Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance401(k) contributions in the U.S. and RRSP + DPSP contributions in CanadaPaid parental leaveFully distributed remote work environment across North American time zonesSupportive and inclusive culture focused on collaboration, growth, and shared successEqual OpportunityGardens Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. We believe diverse teams make stronger games and better workplaces, and we welcome individuals who may not meet every qualification but demonstrate curiosity, growth mindset, and a willingness to learn. Gardens provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.","company":"Superworq","rawCompany":"superworq","city":"Denver","state":"CO","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-11-12T09:41:15.035Z","occupations":[{"code":"15-1252.00","title":"Software Developers","slug":"software-developers"},{"code":"15-1299.08","title":"Computer Systems Engineers/Architects","slug":"computer-systems-engineers-architects"},{"code":"15-1255.01","title":"Video Game Designers","slug":"video-game-designers"}],"industries":[{"code":"513210","title":"Software Publishers","slug":"software-publishers"},{"code":"541511","title":"Custom Computer Programming Services","slug":"custom-computer-programming-services"},{"code":"541512","title":"Computer Systems Design Services","slug":"computer-systems-design-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Backend Engineer (Java, SQL)","description":"About The CompanyGardens Interactive is a fully remote game studio dedicated to creating games that emphasize connection, collective adventure, and emergent storytelling. Our core belief is that the spirit in which we build games is reflected in the experiences our players have. We foster a collaborative environment where curiosity, resilience, ambition, and mutual care shape the worlds we create. Our team is passionate about delivering magical, shared experiences that bring players together. Founded by creators behind acclaimed titles such as Journey, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Guild Wars 2, Gardens is developing a flagship multiplayer fantasy adventure inspired by friendships, discoveries, and unforgettable stories that emerge through exploration.About The RoleWe are seeking a Lead Backend Engineer to manage and grow our backend engineering team while contributing hands-on to critical systems. This role involves leading a team of backend engineers by setting goals, mentoring, and supporting career development. You will own backend architecture evolution, reliability, and infrastructure cost management. You will collaborate closely with game design, marketing, production, and technical leadership to align engineering efforts with the creative vision and technical roadmap. This position requires a strong technical background, leadership skills, and the ability to operate with high ownership in a lean, dynamic environment.Qualifications6+ years of professional backend engineering experience, preferably in games or live-service development2+ years of experience managing or leading engineering teamsProficiency in Kotlin or JavaFamiliarity with Kubernetes, Grafana, Terraform, and load-testing toolsExperience scaling backend systems for a global audience, including debugging, monitoring, and alertingStrong understanding of software architecture and design patterns with sound judgmentExperience working cross-functionally with design, marketing, and production teams on shipped or in-development gamesExcellent communication skills, capable of explaining technical trade-offs to non-engineersAbility to operate with high ownership in a lean team environment, wearing multiple hatsNice to have: Experience launching and operating live-service gamesNice to have: Experience at independent or mid-size studiosLegal authorization to work in the United States or Canada and willingness to work within North American time zones (EST–PST)ResponsibilitiesLead, mentor, and grow a team of backend engineers through goal setting, feedback, and career development supportCreate hiring plans and conduct technical interviews aligned with product needsOwn team processes including planning, code review standards, on-call duties, bug triage, and work scoping/estimatingFoster a healthy, high-trust engineering culture at a mid-size studio scaleReview pull requests and unblock engineers facing complex technical challengesDevelop and evolve backend architecture and write production code for critical systemsManage system reliability, service level objectives, incident response, and infrastructure cost optimizationCollaborate closely with game design, marketing, production, and technical leadership to align engineering with creative vision and technical roadmapCommunicate engineering status, risks, and trade-offs clearly to studio leadershipBenefitsCompetitive salaries with pay transparencyStock optionsMedical, dental, and vision coverage (100% for individuals, 90% for dependents)Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance401(k) contributions in the U.S. and RRSP + DPSP contributions in CanadaPaid parental leaveFully distributed remote work environment across North American time zonesSupportive and inclusive culture focused on collaboration, growth, and shared successEqual OpportunityGardens Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. We believe diverse teams make stronger games and better workplaces, and we welcome individuals who may not meet every qualification but demonstrate curiosity, growth mindset, and a willingness to learn. Gardens provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.","datePosted":"2026-11-12T09:41:15.035Z","dateModified":"2026-11-12T09:41:15.035Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Superworq","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Denver","addressRegion":"CO","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"c35309b6ab0b624b49ea7e69"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c35309b6ab0b624b49ea7e69"}}