Backend Developer
About the job
- A minimum of 3 years of experience developing secure, scalable, production-ready web applications in Node.js.
- Experience with Google Cloud Platform and services, including Firebase, Compute Engine, Cloud Firestore, Firebase Realtime Database, and Cloud Functions.
- Familiarity with multiplayer and asynchronous concepts, state management, and data flows.
- Experience designing and implementing database schemas for maintainability, performance, and scale.
- Ability to manage time and communicate effectively while working remotely.
- Ability to work independently and carry a project.
- Develop backend systems primarily in Node.js while working with Google Cloud Platform and Firebase services, including Cloud Functions, Cloud Firestore, and Firebase Realtime Database.
- Architect, prototype, scope, and develop backend components for projects with varying creative and technical requirements.
- Collaborate with frontend developers, designers, 3D artists, and producers to develop backend features.
- Work independently on small to medium projects and support tech leads on larger projects.
- Plan technical approaches and develop custom integrations with payment, customer relationship management, ticketing, and content management systems such as Sanity.io.
- Manage scalable Google Cloud Platform infrastructure, support live events, and ensure server resources are running smoothly, load tested, and optimized for expected traffic.
- Learn, champion, and build upon Medusa to improve functionality and maintain a library of reusable modules.
- Work with backend and platform teams to evolve practices and processes and drive the platform forward.
About the company
Active Theory is a Creative Technology and Experience studio that builds digital experiences by combining storytelling, art, and technology. It uses an in-house team of makers who understand technical constraints to plan and execute projects from concept to deployment. The company’s work centers on developing interactive web experiences and other digital experiences using a strong web toolset, prioritizing performance and quality to win awards. Their approach involves translating ideas into technically feasible experiences through close collaboration between designers, developers, and artists. Compared with competitors, Active Theory differentiates itself with its deep emphasis on navigating technical limits early in the process and delivering high-performance, award-winning outcomes through an integrated in-house team. The goal is to create impactful, engaging digital experiences that blend narrative, art, and technology while ensuring reliable performance and execution.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
null
Founded
2012
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Active Theory launched WSJ's Future of Everything virtual experience in May 2026.
- The studio posted five open roles in August 2026, including senior creative leadership.
- Its January 2026 thought leadership on WebGL and digital craft reinforces premium positioning.
What critics are saying
- Active Theory's 2026 hiring push signals growth dependency before project revenue arrives.
- One-off experiential budgets from WSJ, Google, and Hulu-style clients create lumpy utilization.
- Bigger agencies can undercut niche studios by bundling strategy, media, and production, squeezing margins.
What makes Active Theory unique
- Active Theory ships WebGL and WebXR experiences with an in-house performance toolset.
- Its 2026 XR experiments emphasize cross-platform immersive computing across browser and headset surfaces.
- The studio sells high-craft interactive storytelling, not commodity web production.
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