Senior Playful Engineer

Ciklum is looking for a Senior Playful Engineer to join our team full-time in Slovakia. We are a custom product engineering company that supports both multinational organizations and scaling startups to solve their most complex business challenges. With a global team of over 4,000 highly skilled developers, consultants, analysts and product owners, we engineer technology that redefines industries and shapes the way people live. About the role: We are looking for a Senior Playful Engineer with a genuine passion for building software that feels right — smooth, intuitive, and genuinely fun to use. You will be working on products loved by children and adults alike, where the quality of the experience is everything. If you care deeply about feature quality, hate bugs as much as we do, and have a natural instinct for what makes an interaction feel seamless — this role is for you. This is a technically demanding position that combines software development in a proprietary language (similar to C/C++) with Python-based tooling and automation, all within a complex, performance-critical product ecosystem. About the project: You will join a long-term strategic partnership with a leading Danish company — a globally loved brand creating products and experiences that inspire generations of children and families worldwide. Our team is integrating a proprietary programming language that will power a unified platform across the client's entire product ecosystem. The product is already on the market and actively used by end-users. You will be developing new releases, improving the architecture, enhancing features, and ensuring that everything works without a hitch — because when kids play, there is no room for bugs. You will work within a large cross-functional team of around 25 Ciklum engineers alongside 50+ client-side designers, project managers, testers, and architects — collaborating closely to deliver a seamless and joyful user experience. Responsibilities: Design and develop software features for a performance-critical, user-facing product Re-architect and create new product versions — improving existing functionality and introducing new capabilities Integrate tech stacks across multiple client products onto a unified platform Support and enhance the game flow to ensure a seamless, enjoyable, and bug-free user experience Implement new features and game mechanics with a strong eye for quality and user interaction Develop supporting tools, automation, and toolchains (linters, debuggers, build systems) Analyze system constraints and optimize implementations for performance, memory, and concurrency Collaborate closely with designers to translate product requirements into robust technical solutions Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and mentor mid-level engineers Troubleshoot and improve existing functionality across a large, complex codebase Requirements: We know that sometimes, you can't tick every box. We would still love to hear from you if you think you're a good fit! Strong Python skills — production-quality code, not just scripting Strong analytical and problem-solving skills — you think before you code Experience working within large, complex codebases A genuine feel for user experience quality — you notice when something is off Strong debugging skills and a zero-tolerance mindset for bugs Solid knowledge of Git version control Strong self-management — able to drive tasks from design to delivery independently Proficient in verbal and written English communication Passion for building high-quality, clean code Desirable: Experience with C, C++, or Rust Familiarity with compiler design, ASTs, type systems, or optimization techniques Knowledge of embedded systems or low-level memory management Experience with LLVM, GCC, or other compiler frameworks Experience with Docker Mobile platform experience (touch input, camera, GPS, Bluetooth, push notifications) What’s in it for you? Strong community: Work alongside top professionals in a friendly, open-door culture that values initiative and empowers its people to succeed Fast-paced & agile environment: Be part of a dynamic, fast-moving organization that champions efficiency and innovation Global exposure: Collaborate with international, cross-functional teams and contribute to large-scale initiatives Tailored learning: Boost your skills with internal events (meetups, conferences, workshops), Udemy access, language courses, and company-paid certifications Flexibility: Balance office and remote work to fit your rhythm Care: Take advantage of our extensive benefits offering, aligned with the best market standards The salary starts from 3000 Eur gross. The final salary depends on the previous experience and professional knowledge of the candidate. About us: At Ciklum, we are always exploring innovations, empowering each other to achieve more, and engineering solutions that matter. With us, you’ll work with cutting-edge technologies, contribute to impactful projects, and be part of a One Team culture that values collaboration and progress. Our Slovakia hub brings together passionate professionals working on global initiatives. Be part of a close-knit team that’s driving digital transformation and creating lasting impact. Explore, empower, engineer with Ciklum! Interested already? We would love to get to know you! Submit your application. We can’t wait to see you at Ciklum. #LI-LS1