Senior Backend Developer

Are you a Senior Backend Developer who thrives on building high‑performance services, owning core APIs, and helping drive a fast‑scaling digital product ecosystem?

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.

📍 Location: Fort Lee, New Jersey (100% On-site)
⏰ Work Mode: Full-time, office-based (Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available)

The Role 🛠️

As a Senior Backend Developer, you will be a key contributor within our platform engineering team. You will focus 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 Senior Backend Developer ready to deepen their technical ownership in a fast‑paced, hands-on environment with significant opportunities for backend architecture influence and continued growth.

What You’ll Do 🚀

• 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.

What We’re Looking For 🎯

• 5+ years of professional experience in web development.

• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with Node.js (ideally with the 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 (such as RabbitMQ or Redis Pub/Sub).

• Solid understanding of TDD and experience writing automated unit and integration tests.

• Strong fundamentals in microservices architecture and distributed systems.

Nice to Have ✅

• 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.

Why Join Smart State Inc.? 💎

• 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.

✅ Bonuses: Discretionary, performance based
✅ Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision + 401(k)
✅ Time Off: Generous PTO policy
✅ Perks: Partially subsidized in-office breakfasts and lunches
✅ Culture: Collaborative, international team that celebrates milestones and wins together
✅ Growth: Strong opportunities for professional development and ownership within a scaling organization

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.