Senior Java Backend Engineer - Leeds-Based

At Rockstar Games, we create world‑class entertainment experiences. By joining our team, you will contribute as Senior Software Engineer (Java) to some of the most rewarding, large‑scale creative projects in the entertainment medium. We foster an inclusive, highly motivated environment where you can learn, innovate, and collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry.

We are currently seeking a passionate, hands‑on Senior Software Engineer to join our unique game development studio located in the heart of Leeds, England.

Senior Software Engineer Job Overview

Category Job Specifications & Details

Role Title Senior Software Engineer (Java)

Company Rockstar Games

Location Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Commitment Full‑time, Permanent

Work Model On‑site (In‑office)

Department Information Systems Team

Core Systems Built Task management software, defect trackers with console integration, distributed video recording systems, reporting & analytics tools

Required Experience 5+ years in professional Java backend development

Core Tech Stack Java, Spring Boot, JPA/Hibernate, MySQL (or other RDBMS), Apache Kafka, Linux

Preferred/Plus Tech Directed Acyclic Graphs, Graph Databases, FFmpeg, CI/CD systems, Spring Cloud, Swagger, Snowflake, Apache Doris, Debezium

Application Materials CV and Cover Letter demonstrating matching technical skills

Team & Role Overview

The Rockstar Games Information Systems team designs, builds, and maintains critical production software tools utilized across all game development disciplines globally. The applications we build are essential to supporting the creation of all Rockstar Games projects. Our portfolio ranges from task management software and defect trackers with games console integration to distributed video recording systems and advanced reporting/analytics applications.

In this role, you will be deeply involved in hands‑on development, architectural design, and cross‑studio collaboration to advance our internal ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Implementation: Architect and develop robust backend solutions to meet the fast‑paced challenges of global game development.
• Technical Leadership: Contribute to the team’s software design guidelines, coding standards, and architectural blueprints.
• Global Collaboration: Partner and collaborate with other Rockstar technology teams across our worldwide studios.
• Continuous Innovation: Develop a deep understanding of existing systems while researching and adopting new technologies to modernise our applications.

Technical Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in enterprise Java backend development.
• Core Java: Strong command of the Java language, spanning from low‑level optimisation to high‑level system architecture.
• Frameworks: Deep expertise within the Spring Boot ecosystem and data persistence frameworks (JPA/Hibernate).
• API Design: Proven experience in designing, building, and scaling high‑performance RESTful APIs.
• Database Management: Solid understanding of MySQL (or other major RDBMS) along with practical query‑tuning and optimisation experience.
• Data Streams: Hands‑on experience with Apache Kafka and building Change Data Capture (CDC) pipelines.
• Optimization: Proficient in Java performance profiling, memory management, and advanced debugging techniques.
• Environment: Comfortable working in Linux environments, with strong communication skills and experience providing production support.

Preferred Qualifications (Pluses)

• Familiarity with Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) and Graph Databases.
• Familiarity with media processing tools and frameworks (e.g., FFmpeg).
• Exposure to version control systems, CI/CD pipelines, and build automation tools.
• Experience with service‑oriented architecture (SOA) and multi‑tier enterprise server applications.
• Exposure to distributed caching systems, Spring Cloud, and API documentation tools like Swagger.
• Experience with modern data warehousing solutions (e.g., Snowflake, Apache Doris).
• Familiarity with data streaming tools like Debezium.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter demonstrating how your experience aligns with the technical requirements outlined above. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a Rockstar recruiter to discuss the next steps in our interview process.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

Rockstar Games is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity, and respect. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.

Rockstar provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify your recruiter during your interview process.

Senior Software Engineer job at Rockstar Games, UK