Lead Backend Engineer
Ex Machina builds the technology behind some of the world’s most engaging interactive experiences. From Twitch extensions and Discord activations to live voting apps for shows like The Voice and large-scale campaigns for Fortnite, our platforms let millions of people participate in real time. At the heart of our work is PlayTwo, our in-house backend framework that powers all of these projects. We’re trusted by leading broadcasters, streamers, advertisers, and gaming companies to deliver seamless, high-scale and real-time digital experiences.
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About the position
We’re looking for a Lead Backend Engineer to guide our backend team, evolve our PlayTwo framework, and deliver reliable systems for large scale interactive projects.
This is a role for someone who wants to stay hands-on with code while also taking responsibility for team leadership, architecture, and technical direction. You’ll:
- Develop and maintain core backend systems in Java/Spring Boot, ensuring they can handle high concurrency and peak traffic loads.
- Lead and mentor a team of backend engineers, reviewing code, setting best practices, and supporting their growth.
- Evolve PlayTwo, ensuring the framework remains scalable, efficient, and ready for new client use cases.
- Define and implement backend architecture, making choices that balance performance, reliability, and flexibility.
- Support project delivery by scoping work, aligning with project managers, frontend developers, and infrastructure engineers to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
- Contribute to client conversations, explaining technical solutions and providing input during sales and scoping discussions.
- Explore new technologies relevant to interactive media and gaming, bringing fresh ideas to future projects.
If you’re a senior engineer who enjoys building systems at scale, guiding a team, and solving real-time challenges, this role offers the chance to make your mark on projects seen and used by millions.
We’d love to hear from you!
Something tells us that you...
- Bring over 6 years of backend development experience, with time spent in senior or lead roles.
- Have deep expertise in Java (21+), Spring Boot, MongoDB, and hands-on experience with AWS.
- Understand NoSQL database design and optimization inside and out.
- Know how to design and scale distributed systems and APIs for high-concurrency, real-time environments.
- Balance hands-on coding with the proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams.
- Thrive when working on large-scale platforms and interactive real-time systems.
- Can jump on client calls and clearly explain technical approaches to non-technical stakeholders.
- Stay curious about emerging technologies like AI/LLMs, cloud-native systems, and real-time frameworks.
- Are proficient in spoken and written Dutch and/or English.
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There are also a few perks
- A competitive salary and compensation package
- We'll equip you with the best tools money can buy
- Full reimbursement of your business travel expenses
- The chance to work on challenging and innovative projects, for high-profile clients all over the world
- Training and professional development opportunities
- An informal organization with a flat structure, and co-workers who are motivated and passionate about their work
- Flexibility, including the opportunity to work from home every now and then
- A fantastic view over The IJ from our office in The Baanderij at the popular NDSM (Netherlands Dock and Shipbuilding Company) wharf
- Organic lunch, delivered daily by Landmarkt. Plus all the free coffee and snacks you can handle
- Friday drinks, great team dinners and frequent out of office activities
How to apply
Send us your application
We'll contact you as soon as possible if we believe you could be a fit for our team.
Invitation
We'll invite you for an interview so we can get to know each other.
Assessment
If all goes well, we'd like to find out more about your skill set.
Meet the team
We'd like for you to meet your potential future co-workers to evaluate the fit.
Offer
And finally, if it's a good match, we'll make you an offer you can't refuse (or so we hope).
Sign and celebrate!
This is when the fun begins!
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