Senior Java Backend / DevOps Engineer - AI-First (m/f/d)

Goodgame Studios is transforming into an AI-first engineering organization, seeking a Senior Java Backend / DevOps Engineer. This role involves evolving from a code producer to a technical architect and orchestrator, guiding AI agents to design, test, and deploy high-scale gaming systems. The engineer will ensure architectural integrity, accelerate DevOps, modernize code, and help define AI-first engineering processes, amplifying impact with 10-20x traditional velocity.

Must Have

• Architect and orchestrate scalable Java microservices (AWS, K8s, Terraform, ArgoCD) end-to-end.
• Lead AI models by providing precise constraints and architectural context, reviewing and validating code.
• Leverage AI to automate CI/CD, generate tests, document systems, and identify bottlenecks.
• Continuously refactor legacy code and evolve platform services using AI tools.
• Define AI-first engineering processes and set company-wide software building standards.
• 5+ years in Java backend development with expertise in distributed systems, high-load architectures, and cloud-native stack (AWS, K8s, Docker).
• Design clean, resilient, and scalable systems.
• Possess strong analytical skills to decompose complex problems into precise instructions.

Good to Have

• Familiarity with AI coding tools (Claude, Cursor, Copilot).
• Curiosity and adaptability to thrive in a radically accelerated environment.

Perks & Benefits

• Work on backend systems serving millions of players worldwide with real ownership and high autonomy.
• Shape how code is built and define the industry standard for AI-first engineering.
• Build faster, safer, and smarter by leveraging AI to handle manual repetition.
• Collaborate with 30+ dedicated professionals on MMO pioneer games with over 200 million registered players.

We are transforming into an AI-first engineering organization. As a Senior Java Backend / DevOps Engineer, your role evolves from 'code producer' to technical architect and orchestrator. You will guide AI agents to design, test, and deploy our high-scale gaming systems. You remain the expert ensuring architectural integrity, but with 10-20× the traditional velocity. AI amplifies your impact - you control the output.

Your Job

• Architect & Orchestrate: Build and own scalable Java microservices (AWS, K8s, Terraform, ArgoCD) end-to-end. You design the architecture; AI agents handle the heavy lifting of implementation.
• Lead AI Agents: Act as the technical lead for AI models. You provide precise constraints and architectural context, then review and validate the code to ensure production-grade security and performance.
• Accelerate DevOps: Leverage AI to automate CI/CD, generate tests, document systems, and identify bottlenecks in distributed environments much faster than traditional methods.
• Modernize & Evolve: Use AI tools to continuously refactor legacy code and evolve platform services for our game teams.
• Shape the Future: Help define our "AI-first" engineering processes and set the standard for how software is built across the entire company.

Your Profile

• Engineering Core: 5+ years in Java backend development with deep expertise in distributed systems, high-load architectures, and the cloud-native stack (AWS, K8s, Docker).
• Architectural Mindset: You don’t just write code; you design clean, resilient, and scalable systems.
• AI-Ready Communication: You possess strong analytical skills to decompose complex problems into precise instructions - directing both human teams and AI agents clearly.
• Tooling & Spirit: Familiarity with AI coding tools (Claude, Cursor, Copilot) combined with the curiosity and adaptability to thrive in a radically accelerated environment.

Why Join Us

• Global Impact: Work on backend systems serving millions of players worldwide, with real ownership and high autonomy.
• Pioneer the Future: Don’t just write code - shape how it’s built. Join us in defining the industry standard for AI-first engineering.
• Force Multiplier: Build faster, safer, and smarter. We value clarity and innovation; AI handles the manual repetition.

In this role, you'll join Goodgame Studios. Collaborate closely with our 30+ dedicated professionals, employ your initiative and strong communication skills to seamlessly integrate your ideas into our MMO pioneer games with more than 200 million registered players worldwide and a history of more than 1bn € in revenues. If you're ready to take on this challenge and thrive in a high-target environment, we want you on our team!

Goodgame Studios is known for successful strategy titles and data-driven game development. We self-publish our games in-house and have all relevant professions under one roof. Plus, we are part of Stillfront Group, one of Europe’s leading game publishers with a strong focus on long-term IP growth.