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Full-Time

Head of Engineering

Backend & Server

Posted on 7/23/2024

skillz

skillz

201-500 employees

Mobile gaming platform for skill-based competitions

Consulting
VR & AR
Consumer Goods
Gaming

Senior, Expert

Las Vegas, NV, USA

Category
Backend Engineering
Software Engineering
Required Skills
Kubernetes
Management
Apache Kafka
Java
REST APIs
Requirements
  • Hands-on management experience leading high-performing teams of engineers and/or engineering managers
  • Gaming Industry experience is required (active gaming engagement is a plus)
  • Backend Application Development experience (distributed systems / microservices / kubernetes / RESTful APIs / Kafka / SQS / SNS)
  • Hands-on in System Design. Code maintenance and review experience in Java OR GO
  • Able to work in-office 5 days a week in Las Vegas, Nevada (relocation available)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a technical field of study, or equivalent industry experience
Responsibilities
  • Lead a team of server/platform engineers to build and deliver a cutting-edge services platform for developers
  • Collaborate with product leadership and core engineering teams, track project schedules, communicate risk areas to upper management, foster innovation, and ensure high productivity and career development of team members
  • Own the Backend Application Development & Outsourcing strategy, define technical vision and roadmap for the next generation eSports platform
  • Work with Product Leadership and core engineering teams to develop and track detailed schedules, dependencies, and critical paths
  • Collaborate effectively with all project stakeholders, including Product Management, Finance, Data teams, etc
  • Clearly communicate any risk areas to upper management and come up with risk mitigation plans
  • Encourage and drive initiatives promoting innovation and technical excellence
  • Hire, retain, and develop the careers of engineers on the team
  • Coach and motivate the team to ensure high productivity and teamwork, help each individual achieve their potential
  • Interface with other internal teams to prioritize features and functionality based on resources available and business priorities
  • Conduct periodic on-call duties as needed on a regular scheme basis

Skillz provides a platform for users to play skill-based games and compete for cash prizes in the mobile gaming and eSports market. Users can download the Skillz app to participate in tournaments or head-to-head matches across a variety of games, including card games, puzzle games, and action games. The company generates revenue by taking a percentage of entry fees for competitions, as well as through in-app purchases and advertisements. Skillz differentiates itself by collaborating with game developers, offering them tools to integrate their games into the platform, which helps expand its game library and allows developers to monetize their games. The goal of Skillz is to combine competitive gaming with the opportunity for players to win real money, positioning itself for growth in the expanding mobile gaming sector.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$80M

Headquarters

Las Vegas, Nevada

Founded

N/A

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

-2%

2 year growth

-58%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Skillz's recent legal victories, including a $42.9M award from AviaGames, strengthen its market position and financial stability.
  • The company's investment in Exit Games and new product features aimed at improving user retention and engagement indicate a commitment to growth and innovation.
  • Relocating its headquarters to Las Vegas could reduce operational costs and attract new talent, enhancing its competitive edge.

What critics are saying

  • Skillz's Q3 revenue decline raises concerns about its financial health and long-term sustainability.
  • Legal battles, such as the lawsuit against Papaya Gaming, could divert resources and focus away from core business activities.

What makes skillz unique

  • Skillz uniquely combines mobile gaming with real-money competitions, setting it apart from traditional mobile game platforms.
  • The company's focus on skill-based games rather than chance-based games appeals to a broader audience, including serious eSports enthusiasts.
  • Skillz's partnerships with game developers to integrate their games into its platform expands its game library and offers developers a monetization avenue.
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