Engineering Manager - Backend Services

As the Engineering Manager - Backend Services at Terminal Velocity, your key responsibilities will include managing a cross-functional team of developers, fostering their growth through coaching and mentorship, and driving the success of various customer-facing projects. You will collaborate with multiple teams to unblock obstacles, contribute to customer deliverables, and support your team in making informed technical decisions. Promoting an inclusive culture that inspires participation and innovation will also be integral to your role.

To be a strong candidate for the Engineering Manager - Backend Services role at Terminal Velocity, you should have a background in software development along with experience in people management. This includes coaching and planning skills to deliver scalable solutions. A passion for games, proficiency in data storage solutions, and an understanding of cloud platforms are additional qualifications that would make you an ideal fit.

No, prior game development experience is not a requirement for the Engineering Manager - Backend Services role at Terminal Velocity. However, a background in software development, particularly in teams that deliver high-performance and scalable products, will be beneficial. We’re looking for individuals with a genuine love for games and a desire to create high-quality solutions.

As an Engineering Manager - Backend Services at Terminal Velocity, you can enjoy a competitive salary and generous benefits, including a pension via salary sacrifice, optional private medical coverage, annual leave, and a winter office closure. You'll also receive an annual research credit for personal development, a supportive work-life balance, and up to 6 weeks of parental leave—all while working in a fun and inclusive workplace.

At Terminal Velocity, the work culture is vibrant and encouraging, with an emphasis on collaboration, support, and personal growth. As the Engineering Manager - Backend Services, you will be part of a team that believes in work-life balance and promotes flexibility in work arrangements, all while fostering a creative and innovative environment. You'll also benefit from regular team lunches and have access to a fully equipped team lounge, making it a fun place to thrive professionally and personally.

As an Engineering Manager, prioritizing tasks is crucial for ensuring that the team remains focused and productive. I usually begin by aligning our goals with the company's objectives and then assessing the impact and urgency of each task. I encourage team involvement in this process to foster ownership and collaboration. Transparent communication about priorities keeps everyone on the same page and motivates the team towards our common objectives.

I have extensive experience in back-end development, focusing on creating scalable and well-documented solutions. I’m familiar with various technologies such as RDBMS, NoSQL databases, and cloud platforms. My hands-on experience includes managing the lifecycle of software projects, refining architecture choices, and ensuring the team's outputs meet performance and quality standards.

Conflict resolution is an important aspect of team management. I believe in addressing conflicts head-on, promoting open dialogue, and providing a safe space for team members to express their concerns. Listening to all perspectives is key, and I aim to facilitate a discussion that leads to a resolution that aligns with our team values and project goals.

To motivate my team, I emphasize recognition of individual contributions and celebrate team milestones. Setting clear goals and providing opportunities for personal growth are also essential. I encourage an inclusive and collaborative environment where team members feel valued and empowered, which ultimately drives motivation and productivity.

I value mentorship as a fundamental component of team development. My approach involves understanding each team member's strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations, allowing me to tailor mentorship accordingly. I provide constructive feedback and create opportunities for team members to lead small projects or initiatives, which builds confidence and fosters professional growth.

Staying current with technology trends requires consistent effort. I regularly participate in webinars, industry conferences, and tech meetups. Additionally, I encourage team engagement in continuous learning, including internal tech talks and collaborative projects that allow us to explore new technologies together.

One successful project I led involved migrating our infrastructure to a cloud platform. The main challenges were resistance to change and ensuring minimal downtime. I navigated these issues through effective communication, providing extensive training, and phasing the transition to retain operational integrity. Ultimately, we completed the project ahead of schedule, resulting in improved scalability and performance.

To measure the team's performance, I use a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics. This includes tracking project completion rates, quality assessments, and team feedback. Also, I monitor individual growth through skills assessments and performance reviews to ensure continuous improvement.

Ensuring quality in deliverables requires a structured approach, including clear coding standards, regular code reviews, and automated testing frameworks. I also encourage continuous feedback within the team and maintain open lines of communication to promptly address any concerns, ensuring that quality remains a top priority throughout the project lifecycle.

I am excited about the opportunity to work as an Engineering Manager for Backend Services at Terminal Velocity because I am passionate about gaming and technology. I admire the company's commitment to innovation and quality. I see this role as a chance to leverage my skills to mentor talented engineers while also contributing to meaningful projects that enhance player experiences on a global scale.