Backend engineer

Candy is at the forefront of creating a genre-defining Solana NFT and gaming platform that integrates composable on-chain traits, collectible packs, and interoperable games across the Solana ecosystem. Our mission is to make digital assets engaging, expressive, and meaningful, with a focus on social-first design and real-time interaction.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a Backend Engineer to join our core product team. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining the backend services that power our platform. This role requires a strong focus on building scalable and maintainable systems, with an emphasis on clear project scopes and finite deliverables.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain backend services, including APIs, authentication, and logic coordination for Candy’s evolving game and collectible systems.
• Architect and implement backend solutions for trait equipping, pack generation, DOT/XP events, and leaderboard systems.
• Design scalable routes and services for seamless frontend integration.
• Manage and query chain-indexed data for Solana NFTs, traits, and wallet activity.
• Implement reward and referral systems with wallet-based authentication and identity flows.
• Collaborate closely with blockchain engineers on PDA/state design and with frontend engineers on feature delivery.
• Optimize backend infrastructure, focusing on database performance, session management, and metadata delivery.
• Ensure a scalable, secure, and modular backend architecture with comprehensive documentation.

Tech Stack:

• Languages: TypeScript (Node.js). Rust smart contract development experience is a plus.
• Infrastructure: Supabase, Postgres, Firebase, Cloudflare, Vercel, Arweave/Pinata.
• Web3: Solana (Anchor, PDAs, SPL tokens, Metaplex) – experience with Solana programs via APIs/RPCs is preferred.
• Authentication: Wallet sign-in, OAuth2, JWT.
• Deployment: Serverless and edge-first architecture. CI/CD experience in Web3 contexts is beneficial.

Requirements:

• 3+ years of backend development experience with TypeScript or Node.js.
• Proven experience in designing APIs and route structures for scalable systems.
• Familiarity with integrating on-chain data from Solana or other L1s into backend services.
• Competence in database schema design, migrations, and queries (Postgres preferred).
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments and collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to manage your own roadmap and execute autonomously.
• Fluency in English is required.

Bonus:

• Experience with dynamic metadata engines, drop systems, rarity weighting, or progression mechanics.
• Familiarity with blockchain indexers (e.g., Helius, Dialect).
• Strong intuition for designing backend systems for gaming, collectibles, or social apps.

Why Join Candy?

This is an opportunity to shape the backend architecture of a next-generation digital collectible platform. As part of a lean and ambitious team, you will have a direct impact on systems that power real-time gameplay, pack drops, trait reveals, and collectible logic. Work on novel problems with a high degree of trust and ownership.

Hiring Process:

1. Portfolio Review (30-45 min): A casual walkthrough of 2–3 of your best projects with our team.
2. Technical Challenge: Complete a short technical challenge reflecting real work at Candylabs.
3. Final Call (30-45 min): A deeper conversation with our founder (CTO) to discuss leadership style, collaboration habits, and cultural fit.