DevOps Engineer at Pudgy Penguins

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain server-side game logic and architecture, ensuring scalability, security, and optimal performance for multiplayer and real-time gaming environments.
• Collaborate with front-end developers, game designers, and stakeholders to refine technical specifications and ensure alignment with user experience and business objectives.
• Develop RESTful and GraphQL APIs for web-based gaming platforms, focusing on low-latency communication, data consistency, and integration with third-party services.
• Implement and optimize database systems (SQL/NoSQL) to support high-throughput game data processing, ensuring data integrity, security, and efficient query performance.
• Deploy and maintain gaming applications using CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure (AWS/GCP/Azure), and containerization technologies (Docker/Kubernetes) for reliable and scalable operations.
• Configure and manage Redis-based caching systems to reduce server load, improve response times, and ensure efficient data retrieval for in-game features.
• Monitor and analyze server performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to enhance system reliability and user engagement.
• Debug and resolve critical server-side technical issues, including network latency, concurrency problems, and data synchronization errors.
• Conduct regular system audits and security assessments to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends, such as cloud gaming, edge computing, and AI-driven analytics, to propose innovative solutions for game development.

Job Requirements

• Proven experience in server-side game development, with a strong understanding of game architecture, multiplayer networking, and real-time data processing.
• Expertise in at least one server-side programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, Node.js) and proficiency in writing efficient, scalable, and maintainable code.
• Deep knowledge of database technologies (SQL/NoSQL) and experience with database optimization techniques, including indexing, query optimization, and sharding.
• Hands-on experience with Redis and caching strategies, including in-memory data storage, key-value management, and distributed caching architectures.
• Strong background in DevOps practices, including CI/CD automation, cloud infrastructure management, and container orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with game server deployment on cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and familiarity with serverless computing models for cost-effective scalability.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to debug complex technical issues, including network protocols, server-side logic, and system integrations.
• Proficiency in monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana) and log analysis platforms (e.g., ELK stack, Splunk) for performance tracking and issue resolution.
• Knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git) and experience with collaborative workflows for managing game development codebases.
• Ability to work in agile environments and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality game systems on time.
• Strong understanding of security best practices, including encryption, authentication, and secure API design, to protect game data and user privacy.
• Experience with game analytics tools and familiarity with data-driven decision-making to optimize game performance and user engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document technical processes and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Preferred qualifications include experience with game engine APIs (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine), familiarity with game physics and networking protocols, and knowledge of microservices architecture for modular game development.