Backend Developer

WHO WE ARE

Pixel Vault is a media group focused on elevating crypto-native assets across a variety of mediums through the development of intellectual property, as we build alongside the community. Through blockchain gaming, comics, and other mediums, our team uses storytelling to bring life to on-chain digital assets for the benefit of stakeholders and the broader crypto community — and we have fun doing it!

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a highly skilled Backend Developer to join our developer team and contribute to various gaming initiatives at Pixel Vault. The ideal candidate should have 5+ years of experience in backend development, with a strong understanding of server-side technologies and architectures, including serverless architectures like AWS Lambda, Node.js, and relational databases such as PostgreSQL or MySQL.

As a Backend Developer, you will play a crucial role in shaping our gaming experiences by designing, developing, and maintaining the robust backend systems that power our blockchain-based games. Leveraging your expertise in serverless architectures, Node.js, and databases, your primary responsibilities will be to build scalable and secure APIs, handle game logic and rules, and ensure seamless communication between the game client and off-chain servers.

You will report directly to the VP of Engineering and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including frontend developers, designers, and game producers. Your strong problem-solving skills, passion for Web3 technologies, and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions will be instrumental in driving the success of our Web3 gaming experiences.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up and maintain off-chain servers for handling tasks that are not suitable for on-chain execution, such as real-time gameplay, matchmaking, and leaderboard management
• Design, implement, and maintain APIs for communication between the game client, blockchain, and off-chain servers, ensuring secure and efficient data exchange
• Develop and maintain the backend logic for game mechanics, rules, and gameplay systems, ensuring fairness, transparency, and integrity
• Implement strategies to ensure the backend systems can handle high concurrency and traffic loads, optimize performance, and scale horizontally as the game's user base grows
• Leverage decentralized storage solutions like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) or Arweave for storing game assets, metadata, and other relevant data in a decentralized manner
• Ensure the backend systems adhere to best practices for security, including secure key management, authentication, and authorization mechanisms. Conduct regular security audits and implement necessary fixes
• Integrate the game with various Web3 ecosystems to enable seamless user experiences and interactions with a broader Web3 ecosystem
• Develop and implement comprehensive testing strategies, including unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests, to ensure the backend systems' reliability and correctness. Automate deployment processes for efficient and secure updates
• Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation for the backend systems and APIs. Collaborate effectively with other team members, including frontend developers, designers, and game producers, to ensure seamless integration and alignment with company goals

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in backend development, with a strong understanding of server-side technologies and architectures
• Proficient in JavaScript and Node.js, with experience using frameworks like Express or Nest.js
• Hands-on experience with serverless architectures, preferably AWS Lambda or similar serverless platforms
• Strong knowledge of relational databases, such as PostgreSQL or MySQL, including database design, query optimization, and performance tuning
• Familiarity with decentralized technologies like blockchain, smart contracts, and decentralized storage solutions (IPFS, Arweave)
• Experience with API design and implementation, including authentication, authorization, and secure data exchange
• Understanding of web application security principles, including input validation, encryption, and secure coding practices
• Experience with agile methodologies, version control systems (e.g., Git), and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to break down complex requirements into scalable and efficient solutions
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team
• Passion for Web3 technologies, decentralization, and gaming industry trends

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with blockchain development, smart contract auditing, and Web3 ecosystem integrations
• Familiarity with game development principles, mechanics, and real-time systems
• Knowledge of cloud computing platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
• Contributions to open-source projects or personal projects related to Web3, gaming, or backend development

LOCATION

This position is fully remote. US-based and international candidates are welcome to apply.

The compensation for this role is structured with a base annual salary ranging between $130K - 160K USD. The actual annual salary paid for this position will be based on several factors, including but not limited to, skills, prior experiences, training, company needs, and current market demands.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 100% remote
• Localized comprehensive health benefits
• Unlimited Discretionary Time Off 
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance  
• Stipends for Wellness, Home Office, Professional Development, Crypto/Blockchain Conferences

Pixel Vault is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or nationality. In addition, Pixel Vault acknowledges that the tech industry lacks opportunities for those in underrepresented demographics. We are committed to creating a diverse team because diversity builds better products. We encourage candidates to ask questions about our diversity and inclusion values and efforts.