Principal Engineer/Deputy CTO

A company that was founded in 2017 with a mission to create cutting-edge games for highly regulated markets in the USA, Canada, and the UK is looking for a talented and experienced Principal Engineer/Deputy CTO to join its team and drive the technical excellence of its Remote Gaming Server and overall technology platform.
The development team is composed of experienced senior developers and is currently operating mainly in North America, serving major clients across the region. As the company's client base and project portfolio continue to grow, the company is expanding its team to meet new challenges and opportunities. Join in shaping the future of online slot gaming with your expertise and enthusiasm.
 
About the Job
This role is the second most important technology position in the company after the CTO. The Principal Engineer will act as CTO during the CTO's absence, making critical technical decisions and steering the company's technology direction. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering, implementing, and overseeing technical solutions across both the platform and infrastructure areas.
You will not only design and propose solutions but will also be responsible for executing them effectively and ensuring their successful delivery. Your ownership will extend across backend architecture, system engineering, infrastructure management, and deployment practices. You will lead by example in taking full responsibility for decisions, overseeing delivery, and maintaining technical excellence throughout the company's products.
This is a long-term opportunity for a senior professional ready to take a significant leadership role in a rapidly growing company.
 
Important:
They do not use cloud solutions like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure. Candidates whose experience is solely cloud-based will not be considered. Python is its main as well. 
 
Work Environment:
This role operates primarily in EU time zones with flexibility and offers up to 100% remote work.
 
What You'll Do
We are looking for a highly hands-on, delivery-focused technical leader who takes full responsibility for their decisions and drives execution to completion.
This role is critical for helping the company transition from a startup phase to a more mature, structured technology organization, setting a foundation for scalable growth.
 
As a Principal Engineer, you will:
Design, build, and manage scalable, secure, and reliable server environments, based on modern best practices.
Own and lead technical delivery across backend systems, platform infrastructure, deployment pipelines, and operations.
Implement and oversee technical solutions end-to-end, from architectural design to full delivery and operation.
Lead cross-functional technical teams, setting technical direction and ensuring alignment with company goals.
Make independent, high-responsibility decisions regarding platform architecture, system reliability, and infrastructure evolution.
Maintain a strong focus on hands-on work, while simultaneously guiding technical standards and mentoring other team members.
Operate at both strategic and tactical levels, balancing architecture design with day-to-day system improvements.
Implement and enforce best practices in system security, CI/CD, and operational monitoring.
Drive continuous improvement of the platform's stability, performance, scalability, and development workflows.
Act as CTO during CTO absence, with full ownership over all technical matters.
 
Technology Stack
Backend: Python, C, HTML, JavaScript, QT
Infrastructure: Managed Ubuntu servers, Docker, Postgres, MongoDB, Chef, Ansible, GitLab CI/CD, Zabbix
Other: Self-developed Linux environments
 
Qualifications
Minimum 10 years of experience in backend development, system engineering, or infrastructure management roles.
Proven experience in leading the transition of a startup into a mature, structured technology organization, including setting up scalable processes, technologies, and operational standards.
If not direct transition experience, then solid, hands-on experience working in both early-stage startups and mature, regulated organizations — fully understanding the challenges and standards of both environments.
Advanced knowledge of Python for backend development, system tools, and automation.
Advanced Linux system engineering skills — experience managing bare-metal Linux servers (not cloud-native environments).
Deep experience with Docker, containerization, and orchestration tools.
Strong proficiency with Git, GitLab CI/CD, and Infrastructure as Code tools (e.g., Ansible, Chef, Terraform).
Extensive background in building, operating, and scaling high-volume, transaction-heavy systems — ideally in regulated industries such as gaming, fintech, banking, or healthcare.
In-depth understanding of system reliability, scalability, and security principles in production environments.
Strong scripting abilities (e.g., Bash, Python).
Ability to lead and mentor teams while remaining deeply hands-on with delivery.
Proficiency in English (minimum B2 level or higher).
 
Bonus Points
Experience in the gaming industry or with slot game mechanics.
Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
Demonstrated open-source contributions or gaming-related projects.
 

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