Principal Node.js Engineer

Principal Node.js Engineer Apply! Join our platform team as Principal Node.js Engineer! At Twin Harbour Interactive we strive to develop high-quality strategy games and make them accessible for all players around the world. In our eyes game development is a promise for fun and entertainment – that’s what we live and aim for! Innovation is part of our DNA. We actively integrate Artificial Intelligence to reduce repetitive tasks and create space for what really matters: strategic thinking and human connection. We don't just use AI - we look for people who can shape the way we work with it. O ur staff is multicultural and international. We have flat hierarchies, open communication culture, and support the autonomous work of our agile working teams. We believe in efficient work where each of our employees contributes to the success of our games. As a Principal Node.js Engineer , you will have a pivotal role in the extension and improvement of our backend services. You bring the expertise needed to ensure the development of stable, performant, scalable, secure, and maintainable code. You will work towards improving our development workflows and best practices. You will help with the coordination with product teams and technical leads, and will work side by side with the product manager to decide priorities and the long term technical strategy of the team. YOUR TASKS Lead the transformation of our core PHP monolithic backend into a secure, performant and well architected set of decoupled services. Drive architectural decisions for new services. Promote and implement security, testing and development best practices. Contribute high-quality and maintainable TypeScript code using NestJS framework. Work with a variety of tools and technologies including Sentry, Datadog, Sonar, Docker, Kubernetes, Mysql, Postgres, Redis, Memcache and Pub/Sub. Take ownership of important tech KPIs to ensure a smooth development process. Work closely with the Head of Platform shaping the technical vision and project roadmap. Collaborate with our quality engineers to fully integrate them into our development process. Lead integration of new APIs, payment systems, and data tracking. Mentor and guide developers on your team. Drive technical discussions and be responsible for technical decisions when team-wide consensus is not reached. YOUR PROFILE At least 7 years of professional experience in TypeScript/Node.js development. Proven experience in software service architecture methodologies (i.e. DDD) and in PHP 7/8 and PHP frameworks in the context of understanding legacy codebases. Experienced with unit/integration/end-to-end testing and modern Node.js frameworks. Good understanding of relational databases and containers. You have worked on multi-server, high-load Node.js applications and APIs; and have gained experience working with cloud technologies (i.e. GCP). Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and able to write easy to understand, well-structured and maintainable code using design patterns appropriately. You can quickly get familiar with complex code bases. Interest in and already some experience augmenting your work with AI tools (i.e. Claude Code, Codex or Gemini). You have the ability to understand business needs and translate them into technical requirements. You are an experienced coach and mentor. You are able to facilitate technical discussions within and outside the team. Practiced agile methodologies, specifically Kanban. You are enthusiastic about games and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team. Having past game development experience is a plus. Fluent in technical and business English. You are interested in learning outside of the box and also taking over full-stack development tasks. Why You'll Love Working With Us A Global Team, A Shared Purpose Our strength lies in our diversity. With over 30 nationalities represented across our two locations, we’re united by a shared passion for strategy games and a bold vision for the future. We celebrate what makes each of us unique – our perspectives, our stories, and the paths that led us here. Work Your Way Whether you're crafting code from a harbor-view desk in Hamburg or fine-tuning design details under the Maltese sun, we support flexible hybrid work models that empower you to do your best work – wherever you are. Grow With Us At Twin Harbour, your journey matters. Our Career Path Framework and mentorship culture provide the clarity and feedback you need to take the next step – whether you’re deepening your expertise or branching into new disciplines. We invest in your growth with language courses, e-learning platforms, and support for conferences and training. We’re Human First We believe that great teams are built on trust, respect, and good humor. From game nights to casual drinks, quiz nights, and karaoke, we don’t just work together – we connect, play, and support each other like a true crew. Join Twin Harbour Interactive Where Strategy Meets Vision. Twin Harbour Interactive is a global strategy game powerhouse, shaping the future of long-term multiplayer gaming. With offices in Hamburg and Malta , we design strategy games that bring people together – across borders and generations. Whether you’re an expert tactician or an imaginative world-builder, there’s a place here for you to grow, thrive, and leave your mark. Department Game Programming/Engineering Locations Hamburg (St. Pauli), San Ġiljan, Malta Remote status Hybrid Studios Twin Harbour Interactive Employment contracts Full time Hamburg (St. Pauli) San Ġiljan, Malta About Twin Harbour Interactive We're on a mission to create unforgettable strategy experiences. If you're curious, collaborative, and driven by impact, we’d love to meet you. At Twin Harbour Interactive , you'll step into a creative, collaborative environment where your ideas help shape the future of long-term strategy gaming. With the agility of an indie team and the reach of a global studio, we value innovation, ownership, and bold thinking. We're a passionate, multicultural crew with a flat hierarchy and a deep love for smart game design. Whether you're coding, creating, or coordinating, you'll have the freedom to make an impact—and the support to keep growing. Expect meaningful challenges, curious minds, and a work setup that fits your needs. Our games are built using C#, JavaScript/HTML5, Java, and PHP - and always with players at the center. With studios in Hamburg’s iconic St. Pauli district and sunny San Ġiljan, Malta , you’ll enjoy inspiring views, an international vibe, and a team that loves what they do. Founded in 2025 Coworkers about 130