Backend Developer

⚠️ Please note: This position is currently open to residents of Japan only.

PlayBrain is looking for a key position to be filled to lead the backend development of our web platform, building functionality around esports and game communities. A backend engineer at PlayBrain is responsible for writing and maintaining code and systems to run our web platforms and applications.

Our primary stack is based on the Serverless framework, utilizing AWS (Lambda, DynamoDB, Cloudfront, S3, etc.) and some 3rd party services (Auth0, Algolia, etc.) Our backend is written in Node.js.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain backend code for PlayBrain-related platforms and services
• Set up, configure, and operate AWS infrastructure including Lambda, EC2, RDS, DynamoDB, Route 53, and VPC
• Maintain and improve build processes and CI/CD pipelines using GitLab
• Create and manage technical specifications and architecture documentation
• Collaborate with the frontend development team to define and implement features
• Report and advise management on the technical health and improvements of the systems

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional experience in backend development
• Proficiency in Node.js and experience with NoSQL databases, especially DynamoDB
• Strong SQL skills for data retrieval and aggregation
• Experience designing and developing REST and/or GraphQL APIs
• Hands-on experience operating infrastructure on AWS (e.g., Lambda, RDS, EC2, S3)
• Familiarity with CI/CD using GitLab Pipelines
• Ability to manage and run Linux servers, including writing shell scripts and using crontab
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
• Native-level Japanese or business-level proficiency in Japanese

Nice to haves

• Practical experience with GraphQL
• Experience using Firebase Realtime Database
• Experience with Python
• Familiarity with OpenSearch / Elasticsearch
• Experience with Auth0 for authentication
• Experience developing for Shopify
• Exposure to AI-related libraries or prototyping (e.g., chatbot development)
• Strong mathematical background or experience with analytics implementations
• Interest in gaming or esports, ideally as an active player
• Understanding of state management tools like Redux or React Context
• Conversational English (not required, but a plus)

Technology stack

• Languages & Tools: Node.js, TypeScript, Python, GraphQL, RESTful API
• Version Control: GitLab
• Databases: DynamoDB, RDS Aurora, Firebase Realtime Database, MySQL, OpenSearch
• Infrastructure: AWS (Lambda, EC2, S3, Route 53, VPC), Auth0
• CI/CD: GitLab Pipelines
• Orchestration: Docker