Sr. Game Technology Architect (Project-Based Role)

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are!

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration. *Our Vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.*

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of:

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.
• Provocative Playfulness: We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.
• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.
• Authentic Compassion: We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.
• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on….

Job Description:

This is a project based role with an anticipated duration of 3+ years.

Location: Santa Fe, NM; Denver, CO; Las Vegas, NV; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; New York, NY; or Los Angeles, CA.

Compensation: The base salary range for this position starts at $131,357. Compensation is based on location and experience.

Deadline: The deadline for submitting applications for this position is September 19, 2025. Meow Wolf reserves the right to extend this deadline if needed.

Job Summary:

We’re on the lookout for a Sr. Game Technology Architect to marry game-backend wizardry with embedded-systems know-how. You’ll be the maestro orchestrating everything from Nakama-powered quest engines to microcontroller-driven PCBs tucked inside our interactive exhibits. Think of it as building the digital and physical facets of Meow Wolf’s next level of immersive magic. If you’ve been secretly daydreaming about rewriting “how things have always been done” in real-time game mechanics, and you can solder components and flash firmware onto a board with your eyes closed, read on —you may have just found your dream job.

Working primarily with Nakama and other modern backend technologies, you'll be responsible for:

• Game Engine Enhancement: Optimizing and expanding our core engine to support dynamic game mechanics that bridge digital and physical play.
• Ecosystem Integration: Developing scalable backend services and hardware that seamlessly connect different game modules and external systems.,
• Mechanics & Systems: Building and fine-tuning game mechanics that ensure smooth, real-time interactions, whether players are on-site or remote.
• Embedded System Design: Develop microcontroller PCBs and firmware for sensor/actuator integration (RFID, BLE, UWB), optimizing low-power real-time performance, reliable wireless communication, OTA updates and field diagnostics.

If you're a backend aficionado who loves turning complex challenges into elegant, efficient systems—and you're not afraid to push the boundaries of what's possible in interactive gaming—this role is your playground. Join us, and help create the future of gaming where every interaction counts.

Key Responsibilities:

Backend Architecture & Game Mechanics

• Design, build and optimize the core game-engine back end using Nakama and modern cloud tech.
• Enable real-time interactions and seamless integration across exhibits, mobile apps and VR.
• Build, test, and deploy software that enables next generation guest experiences.
• Be proficient in server-side development and optimization of data, including database creation and management, writing middleware, and tracing API issues across a distributed architecture.
• Create middleware and integrations that create a cohesive system out of disjoint parts.
• Use established best practices for development, test and release cycles.
• Work closely with our Platform Engineering team.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and other team members to refine user stories and technical requirements.
• Collaborate with other technical teams to develop integrated hardware solutions.
• Contribute to regular backlog grooming and sprint planning exercises.

Embedded Systems Design

• Create custom microcontroller-based PCBs and firmware to power in-exhibit game infrastructure.

Collaboration & Roadmapping

• Translate high-level game design into robust technical solutions, liaising with creative leads, product managers and engineers.
• Define backend requirements, prioritize tasks and maintain a clear technical roadmap.

Process & Performance

• Streamline development workflows—Agile practices, code reviews and CI/CD—to accelerate high-quality iterations.
• Proactively troubleshoot and tune performance so the engine runs smoothly under pressure.

Documentation & Mentorship

• Produce clear architecture diagrams, status updates and performance reports for both devs and executives.
• Mentor teammates in scalable backend design and efficient game mechanics.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s in CS or related field preferred.
• 3+ years in backend game engineering (Nakama or similar)
• 10 Years Technical expertise in several programming languages with a focus on backend systems and services, such as: Typescript, node.js, GraphQL, SQL, Python, serverless functions etc.
• Experience with industry-standard software, methodologies, processes, and tools, especially relating to the design and implementation of APIs, SDKs, and client libraries.
• Familiarity with AI-enhanced development tools like Cursor AI, and Gemini Code Assist, with an ability to leverage these tools effectively in a modern engineering environment.
• Experience with at least one tool of our stack and an ability to learn the rest quickly, confidently, and without substantial supervision. These include Hasura, Directus, Google Cloud Platform (especially Dialogflow, Cloud Functions, and Cloud Run), Nakama, and Cloudflare services.
• Proficient communication and collaboration skills in written, verbal, and graphical forms.
• The ability to effectively manage your time to deliver a quality product on time.

Technical Proficiency

• Designing scalable systems, real-time data processing and API integration.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, microservices and container orchestration.
• Strong Git, Agile and CI/CD skills.
• Hands-on experience with low-power microcontrollers (UART, PWM, I²C, drivers & firmware).

Communication & Collaboration

• Exceptional written and verbal skills—comfortable simplifying complex tech for varied audiences.
• Proven history of cross-team collaboration, from junior devs to C-suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• A passion for mobile gaming, VR integration, or augmented reality experiences.
• Experience with additional backend languages or frameworks (e.g., Node.js, Python).
• Previous exposure to innovative game development environments or startups.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.

Work Environment:

This position is remote.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Physical ability to walk, stand, take stairs/slides/elevators, and navigate the elements during the day and night. Employee may be required to remain in a sitting or standing position for prolonged periods, and repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

*The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.*

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

This position does not require supervisory responsibility.

Travel

This position will require some travel (10%-25%).

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

IMPACT: Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles. To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation. As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community.

INCLUSION: Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

BENEFITS:

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP*
• Dental and Vision Insurance*
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options*
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)*
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies*
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks
• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes
• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

*Regular or Project Based Full-time positions