Founding Engineer (Backend / AI-Native)
First seen by Alion on Nov 3, 2026.
We are looking for an experienced Founding Engineer / AI-Native Tech Lead to build and scale a gamification platform within the iGaming industry.
This is a hands-on role combining backend development, system architecture, and technical leadership. You’ll take ownership of key technical decisions, build reliable and scalable solutions, and help establish efficient AI-assisted engineering practices.
Responsibilities:
Design, develop, and scale the backend architecture of a gamification platform.
Build reliable APIs, real-time features, event-driven systems, and asynchronous workflows.
Develop and maintain integrations with casino platforms, PAM systems, and third-party services.
Ensure platform security, performance, scalability, and data consistency.
Implement AI-assisted development workflows using tools such as Claude Code, Cursor, or Codex.
Establish engineering best practices, including code reviews, testing, CI/CD, and monitoring.
Lead and mentor a small engineering team while remaining actively involved in development.
Collaborate with Product and other teams to turn business requirements into technical solutions.
Requirements:
7+ years of commercial software development experience, including technical leadership and SaaS product development.
Strong backend expertise in TypeScript, Node.js, NestJS, or a comparable stack.
Solid knowledge of PostgreSQL, Redis, transactions, concurrency, and database optimization.
Experience with multi-tenant SaaS, event-driven architecture, domain modeling, and state machines.
Strong understanding of REST APIs, WebSockets, webhooks, JWT/OAuth, and third-party integrations.
Knowledge of application security, including RBAC, audit logging, OWASP, and rate limiting.
Experience with Docker, CI/CD, AWS/GCP, and production monitoring.
Practical experience with AI-assisted development tools and the ability to review and validate AI-generated code.
Strong problem-solving skills, architectural thinking, and a hands-on approach to technical leadership.
Nice to Have:
Experience in iGaming, casino platforms, or gamification products.
Understanding of gaming mechanics, RNG, and PAM integrations.
Familiarity with React / Next.js.
Experience building products from scratch in a startup environment.
What We Offer:
Opportunity to build a gamification product and shape its technical architecture.
High level of ownership and influence over technical decisions.
Modern AI-assisted development environment.
Direct impact on product development and business growth.
Flexible working environment within a growing iGaming company.
🩵 How We Take Care of Our Team?
Comfortable Conditions for Productive Work
Flexible working hours with a start time between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Work remotely from anywhere in the world or join us in our modern Cyprus office — the choice is yours.
Time to Recharge
We believe great results come from well-rested people. That’s why we offer:
21 days of paid annual leave;
3 additional Day Offs per year;
25 paid sick leave days;
Public holidays as days off.
Benefits & Wellbeing
Sports compensation program;
Annual healthcare budget;
Gifts for important life events (birthday, marriage, childbirth);
Coworking compensation for team members based in Ukraine;
Maternity and paternity leave support;
Business trips and team gatherings at our Cyprus office.
Learning & Career Growth
Annual budget for professional development, certifications, books, and language courses;
Internal mobility and promotion programs to support both vertical and horizontal career growth;
A Personal Development Plan to help you grow your skills and competencies.
Smooth Onboarding & Ongoing Support
We’ve designed a structured onboarding plan to help you quickly understand the business, the team, and your priorities. Regular check-ins with your manager and People Partner ensure a smooth adaptation process and continuous support throughout your journey with us.