Backend software engineer (contract)

At ArenaNet, we’ve always believed that games are art. They have the power to communicate ideas and tell stories. They can change the way we think, reflect our cultures, and move us. As the developer of the award-winning Guild Wars game series, we’re proud to share our passion for the online worlds we’ve created with over 21 million players worldwide.

ArenaNet develops and publishes games for every kind of person, which means our games need to be built by every kind of person. We believe the best experiences come from working together, celebrating differences, and helping each of our team members shine.

We are looking for an experienced Backend Software Engineer to join our Server Engineering team on a contract basis. In this role, you’ll help build and maintain the backend services and APIs that support critical business systems across ArenaNet.

You’ll work primarily with Python, Flask, MSSQL, and MySQL, designing, developing, testing, and maintaining scalable backend microservices and RESTful APIs. You’ll also design and optimize database schemas, SQL queries, and data access patterns with a focus on reliability, performance, and maintainability.

A significant portion of this work will take place within an established codebase. You’ll need to become familiar with existing architecture, design patterns, dependencies, and business logic, then build upon those systems thoughtfully. You’ll develop new features and functionality while maintaining system reliability, backward compatibility, and the stability of existing services.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, test, and maintain backend microservices and RESTful APIs using Python and Flask.
• Develop new functionality within an established production codebase while maintaining existing system behavior and compatibility.
• Design and optimize database schemas, SQL queries, and data access patterns using MSSQL and MySQL.
• Investigate existing architecture, dependencies, and business logic to understand how changes may affect interconnected systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve backend performance, reliability, and data-related issues.
• Write clean, maintainable, well-tested code and participate in code reviews.
• Identify technical risks, dependencies, and potential impacts before implementing changes.
• Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional partners to understand requirements and develop practical technical solutions.
• Contribute to the ongoing reliability, scalability, and maintainability of backend systems.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 2+ years of professional software engineering experience with a focus on backend development.
• Strong proficiency with Python.
• Professional experience developing backend applications and services using Flask or a comparable Python web framework.
• Experience designing and developing RESTful APIs and microservices.
• Strong experience with relational databases and SQL, including schema design, query development, and optimization.
• Experience with MSSQL and/or MySQL.
• Experience working effectively within large or established codebases.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand unfamiliar systems and trace dependencies.
• Ability to write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage assigned projects through completion, and proactively communicate risks or blockers.

Nice to Have

• Experience with any of the following is a plus:
• Redis for caching
• RabbitMQ or other message-queue technologies
• Docker
• Kubernetes
• Git
• Jenkins or other CI/CD tools
• apiDoc or similar API documentation tools
• Experience supporting high-availability or production backend systems

This is a 6 month remote-friendly contract, but we are currently prioritizing candidates who are local to the Bellevue, WA area and open to occasional onsite collaboration.

Pay Range: $57.27 - $85.92

This is an hourly contract role with overtime pay when applicable. While we share the full range for transparency, typical offers fall between the minimum and midpoint.

The role is benefits-eligible through our third-party employer, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and flexible/dependent care accounts.

Applications will be accepted until October 12th at 10am PT. If the deadline is extended, the posting will be updated accordingly. If the position is filled before this date, the posting will be removed.

Don’t meet every single requirement on this job post? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At ArenaNet, we believe diversity in culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and backgrounds make us a better team – we celebrate it. So, if you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.