Engineering Manager ( Full Time, Remote)

The Engineering Manager - Backend at Hike is responsible for leading and mentoring a high-performing team of backend engineers, ensuring the development of scalable systems that enhance gaming experiences. This role involves driving technical excellence through architectural reviews, aligning backend development with product strategies, and collaborating with various teams to define and execute a clear roadmap for innovative gaming solutions.

Candidates for the Engineering Manager - Backend position at Hike should have over 8 years of hands-on backend engineering experience, with a strong foundation in system design and scalable architecture. Proficiency in Java and/or Python, experience with designing REST APIs, and a solid understanding of database technologies like PostgreSQL or MySQL are also essential. Strong leadership and communication skills will help ensure successful collaboration across teams.

At Hike, our culture is defined by our core values, which profoundly influence the role of the Engineering Manager - Backend. Leaders are expected to embody qualities like customer obsession, proactive ownership, and a dedication to continuous improvement. By fostering collaboration and innovation within the team, an Engineering Manager can play a crucial role in maintaining the vibrant and dynamic work environment that Hike champions.

The Engineering Manager - Backend at Hike will have significant opportunities for innovation, including the design and development of high-performance SDKs and APIs that enhance cross-platform gaming experiences. The role provides the chance to explore modern backend frameworks and leverage AI-driven tools to improve engineering productivity, making innovation a central part of the job.

Hike offers a competitive compensation package, exciting global exposure, and the opportunity to work on transformative projects in the gaming industry. The fully remote work environment promotes flexibility, and the emphasis on professional growth and a culture of ownership provides an enriching experience for the Engineering Manager - Backend.

In responding to this question, highlight specific projects where you designed scalable systems, detailing your approach to system design and any tools or frameworks you utilized. Discuss how you ensured performance and reliability at scale, emphasizing your thought process and decision-making during the architecture design.

When answering this question, it’s helpful to discuss a time when you successfully balanced multiple priorities. Mention tools or methodologies you’ve implemented for task management and how you communicate with your team to ensure transparency in workload distribution.

Speak about the coding standards and review processes you have implemented in previous roles. Discuss tools for code quality analysis, testing methodologies, and the importance of continuous integration practices in ensuring high code quality standards.

Highlight a specific example where you facilitated conflict resolution, focusing on your communication skills and ability to mediate discussions. Mention the importance of fostering an environment of open communication and team cohesion.

In your response, provide examples of APIs you have designed or worked with, focusing on how you approached the structure for ease of integration and performance. Discuss any methodologies you used for documenting the APIs and ensuring they met the needs of developers.

Discuss the metrics you track, the tools you use for project management, and how you leverage data to provide feedback to your team. Include how you foster a culture of continuous improvement based on performance insights.

Detail the process you used to introduce the technology, why you felt it was necessary, and how you managed the transition. Discuss training and support you provided to ensure your team could effectively leverage the new tool.

Discuss the importance of collaboration and how you set up regular communication channels between different departments. Highlight experiences where you’ve worked effectively with product, design, and analytics teams to align goals and development efforts.

Explain your familiarity with blockchain technologies and describe any specific projects where you've utilized them. Discuss how leveraging blockchain could innovate gaming experiences and your vision for future applications in this field.

Describe your approach to fostering an open environment where team members feel encouraged to share ideas. Highlight any frameworks or techniques you use to guide discussions and ensure that all voices are heard while arriving at concrete action steps.