Backend Developer

Department:  Product/R&D
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To:    Engineering Manager

Company Overview

Smart State is a rapidly growing technology company, bringing together expertise in software engineering, analytics, and product management to deliver reliable and innovative digital solutions.  Smart State is a place where talents from different niches can make real changes across the industry.  We create an environment to let smart ideas act boldly.

📍 Please note: This is a full-time, office-based position that requires your full presence at our Fort Lee, NJ office.  Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available for this role.

Position Overview
The Backend Developer is a key contributor within our platform engineering team.  This role focuses on designing, implementing, and optimizing high‑performance Node.js APIs and microservices that power a global, fast‑scaling product ecosystem.  The ideal candidate combines strong backend engineering expertise with a product‑focused mindset - someone who takes ownership of core services, drives performance and reliability, and ensures a seamless experience for thousands of players worldwide.

This position is ideal for a Backend Developer ready to deepen their technical ownership, thriving in a fast‑paced, hands-on environment with significant opportunities for leadership, backend architecture influence, and continued growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and scale robust backend services built with Node.js (Nest.js framework).
• Design and implement third‑party API integrations and new platform modules from concept through deployment.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well‑tested code following TDD principles.
• Work with SQL and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, MySQL, Redis) to support high‑volume data operations.
• Implement REST, GraphQL, and WebSocket communication protocols across services.
• Collaborate closely with frontend, DevOps, and product teams to deliver reliable and efficient solutions.
• Apply best practices for microservice architecture, scalability, and performance optimization.
• Participate in code reviews, architecture discussions, and continuous integration initiatives.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional experience in web development.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with Node.js (Nest.js framework).
• Deep knowledge of JavaScript (ES6+) and modern backend design patterns.
• Practical experience with high‑volume databases (SQL and NoSQL).
• Proficiency with Git and collaborative development workflows.
• Experience with message brokers (RabbitMQ, Redis Pub/Sub).
• Solid understanding of TDD and experience writing automated unit and integration tests.
• Strong fundamentals in microservices architecture and distributed systems.

Preferred Experience

• 2+ years of experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and microservices deployment.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes or other container orchestration systems.
• Experience with the NATS messaging system.
• Hands‑on experience with TypeScript and advanced Node.js tooling.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401K plan, and more. 
• Generous PTO policy.
• A dynamic and collaborative international work environment.
• Breakfasts and lunches in the office (partially paid by the company).
• Birthdays, milestones and employee anniversaries celebrations.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

^{Smart State Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We believe that different perspectives make us stronger and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color identity, religion, or any other protected status. If you have the drive and the skills, we want to hear from you.}