📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Server Engineer - Platform
Company: Fanatics
Location: New York, NY, USA
Job Type: Full time
Category: DevOps Engineer, System Administrator
Date Posted: 2025-02-21
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site (New York, NY)

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the development and optimization of next-generation mobile APIs for digital collectibles platforms.
Provide expert-level technical guidance and support to cross-functional teams, including backend engineers, frontend engineers, testers, and product managers.
Design and develop a best-in-class microservice architecture utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous technologies.
Spearhead initiatives for product quality improvements, security enhancements, and performance optimizations.
Collaborate with team leads to ensure cohesive and unified product features across the Fanatics/Topps Collectibles division.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in server-side application development, API design, and cloud services to drive technological innovations in the digital collectibles space.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

API Development & Optimization: Lead the development and optimization of mobile APIs for next-generation platforms, focusing on scalability, performance, and security.
Technical Leadership: Provide expert-level technical guidance and support to team members across the Fanatics/Topps Collectibles division, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Microservice Architecture: Design and develop a best-in-class microservice architecture utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous technologies to support high-demand services.
Quality & Security: Spearhead initiatives for product quality improvements, security enhancements, and performance optimizations, ensuring the reliability and integrity of our digital collectibles platforms.
Collaboration & Communication: Facilitate communication and collaboration with team leads to ensure needs are understood and translated into cohesive and unified product features across the division.
Documentation & Testing: Create and maintain comprehensive documentation detailing architecture, interactions, and behaviors with REST APIs or other data processing mechanisms. Oversee the implementation of unit and integration tests adopting a test-driven development approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in building server-side applications, with a proven track record of leading development projects.

Required Skills:

Advanced proficiency with Python 3.9 or higher.
Expertise in designing and consuming RESTful APIs.
3+ years of experience with AWS cloud services in a production environment.
Demonstrated leadership in managing small to medium-sized teams of engineers, content managers, project managers, and QA specialists.
Proficient in using GIT for source control management.
Skilled in optimizing high-demand services using caching tools like Redis and DynamoDB.

Preferred Skills:

Experience designing scalable architectures servicing thousands of users simultaneously.
Navigating and resolving ambiguous requests through self-guided research.
Developing microservice-based APIs.
In-depth knowledge of AWS services such as S3, API Gateway, Lambda, EC2, and/or RDS.
Experience with non-relational database technologies such as MongoDB, DynamoDB, and/or Redis.
Server-side engineering using Flask.
Designing APIs for mobile applications.
Implementing real-time communication with WebSockets.
A passion for collectibles, sports, entertainment, gaming, and the Topps / Fanatics brand.
Managing distributed teams working remotely across various time zones.
Handling large data sets (terabyte size).

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A portfolio showcasing your experience in building server-side applications, with a focus on API development and optimization.
Examples of your leadership in managing teams and driving technological innovations in previous projects.
Documentation demonstrating your ability to create comprehensive technical documentation detailing architecture, interactions, and behaviors with REST APIs or other data processing mechanisms.

Technical Documentation:

Case studies or blog posts detailing your approach to product quality improvements, security enhancements, and performance optimizations.
Examples of your experience with test-driven development and unit/integration testing.
Documentation showcasing your expertise in AWS cloud services and microservice architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a senior server engineer, your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to lead projects, make critical decisions, and drive innovation in server-side application development and API design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $170,000 - $185,000 (base pay only, excludes short-term and long-term incentive compensation)

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Employee discounts on Fanatics and Topps products.
Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the organization.

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, EST), with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a base pay estimate and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. The total compensation package may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fanatics is a leading global sports and entertainment merchandise company, operating in the e-commerce and digital collectibles sectors. This role will focus on the Topps Digital Collectibles division, which specializes in creating and distributing digital trading cards and collectibles for various sports and entertainment properties.

Company Size: Fanatics employs over 8,000 team members worldwide, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth within the organization.

Founded: Fanatics was founded in 2011 and has since grown to become a market leader in licensed sports merchandise and digital collectibles.

Team Structure:

The platform team consists of experienced engineers, content managers, project managers, and QA specialists, working collaboratively to design and implement infrastructure supporting Topps Digital Collectibles.
The team follows an Agile/Scrum methodology, with regular sprint planning and code review processes to ensure high-quality products and efficient project management.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies are employed to manage development sprints and ensure efficient project delivery.
Code reviews and testing are integral parts of the development process, with a focus on quality and performance optimization.
Deployment strategies, including CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment, are used to streamline the release process and ensure minimal downtime.

Company Website: Fanatics.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' culture values innovation, collaboration, and a passion for sports and entertainment. As a senior server engineer, you will play a crucial role in driving technological advancements and shaping the future of digital collectibles within the organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a deep understanding of server-side application development, API design, and cloud services. As a senior server engineer, you will be expected to lead projects, mentor junior team members, and make critical decisions that drive the success of the platform.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Manager of Platform Engineering, with a matrixed reporting structure to other team leads within the Fanatics/Topps Collectibles division.

Technical Impact: As a senior server engineer, you will have a significant impact on the architecture, performance, and scalability of our digital collectibles platforms. Your work will directly influence the user experience and the overall success of the Topps Digital Collectibles division.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As a senior team member, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of our engineering culture. This role offers ample opportunities for growth into technical leadership positions within the organization.
Architecture & Design: With a focus on designing and implementing microservice architectures, this role provides ample opportunities for professional development in architecture and system design.
Emerging Technologies: As a senior server engineer, you will be at the forefront of driving technological innovation within the digital collectibles space. This role offers the opportunity to work with emerging technologies and stay ahead of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' commitment to innovation and growth provides ample opportunities for senior server engineers to advance their careers and make a significant impact on the organization's success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The platform team operates in a hybrid work environment, with a focus on collaboration and in-person interaction at the company's New York City headquarters.

Office Location(s): Fanatics' New York City headquarters is located at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The platform team works in an open, collaborative workspace designed to foster communication and innovation among team members.
Development Tools: Team members have access to multiple monitors, testing devices, and other development tools necessary to build, test, and deploy high-quality server-side applications.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The platform team works closely with designers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive and unified product features across the Fanatics/Topps Collectibles division.

Work Schedule: This role follows a standard business hours schedule (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, EST), with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows. The work arrangement may include occasional remote work, but the role is primarily on-site in New York City.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' commitment to a collaborative and innovative work environment provides senior server engineers with the resources and support needed to succeed in their roles and advance their careers.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone or video call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and interest in the role. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience with Python, AWS, and API development.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on your ability to design, develop, and optimize APIs using Python and AWS services. This assessment may include a take-home project or a live coding challenge.
On-Site Interview: An on-site interview at Fanatics' New York City headquarters, where you will meet with team members, discuss your approach to technical challenges, and demonstrate your leadership and communication skills.
Final Decision: A final decision will be made based on your performance throughout the interview process, with a focus on your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in building server-side applications and API development, with a focus on scalability, performance, and security.
Include examples of your leadership in managing teams and driving technological innovation in previous projects.
Showcase your ability to create comprehensive technical documentation detailing architecture, interactions, and behaviors with REST APIs or other data processing mechanisms.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your Python skills, with a focus on API development and optimization using frameworks like Flask or Django.
Familiarize yourself with AWS services, including S3, API Gateway, Lambda, EC2, and RDS, as well as caching tools like Redis and DynamoDB.
Prepare for questions about your experience with microservice architecture, real-time communication with WebSockets, and handling large data sets.

ATS Keywords: [See the comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category, below]

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit within the organization. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in server-side application development and API design, you will increase your chances of success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Backend & Server Technologies:

Python: Advanced proficiency with Python 3.9 or higher is required for this role. Familiarity with Python frameworks like Flask or Django is a plus.
AWS Services: Experience with AWS cloud services, including S3, API Gateway, Lambda, EC2, and RDS, is required. Familiarity with additional AWS services, such as DynamoDB and RDS, is a plus.
Microservice Architecture: Experience designing and implementing microservice architectures utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous technologies is required.
Caching Tools: Familiarity with caching tools like Redis and DynamoDB is required for optimizing high-demand services.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Git: Proficiency in using Git for source control management is required for this role.
CI/CD Pipelines: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies is a plus.
Monitoring Tools: Experience with monitoring tools for web performance tracking and server monitoring is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' technology stack is built on AWS cloud services, with a focus on microservice architecture and API development. As a senior server engineer, you will be expected to have a deep understanding of these technologies and contribute to their implementation and optimization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Fanatics values innovation and encourages team members to stay ahead of industry trends and drive technological advancements in the digital collectibles space.
Collaboration: The platform team operates in a collaborative environment, with a focus on communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork.
Quality: Fanatics is committed to delivering high-quality products and services to its customers. As a senior server engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of our digital collectibles platforms.
Performance: Fanatics values performance and encourages team members to optimize their work processes, improve efficiency, and drive results.
Customer Focus: Fanatics is committed to providing an exceptional customer experience. As a senior server engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the user experience and satisfaction of our digital collectibles platforms.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The platform team works closely with designers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive and unified product features across the Fanatics/Topps Collectibles division.
Code Review Culture: The platform team follows an Agile/Scrum methodology, with regular code reviews and testing processes to ensure high-quality products and efficient project management.
Knowledge Sharing: Fanatics encourages team members to share their knowledge and expertise with one another, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' culture values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to its customers. As a senior server engineer, you will play a crucial role in driving technological advancements and shaping the future of digital collectibles within the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

API Development & Optimization: Lead the development and optimization of mobile APIs for next-generation platforms, focusing on scalability, performance, and security.
Microservice Architecture: Design and develop a best-in-class microservice architecture utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous technologies to support high-demand services.
Large Data Sets: Handle large data sets (terabyte size) efficiently, optimizing performance and ensuring data integrity.
Real-Time Communication: Implement real-time communication with WebSockets, enabling seamless user experiences and low-latency interactions.
Emerging Technologies: Stay ahead of industry trends and drive technological innovation within the digital collectibles space, working with emerging technologies and staying up-to-date with best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: As a senior server engineer, you will have ample opportunities to develop your technical skills and stay ahead of industry trends in server-side application development, API design, and cloud services.
Leadership Development: With a focus on technical leadership, this role offers opportunities for professional development in mentoring, team management, and architecture decision-making.
Architecture & Design: With a focus on designing and implementing microservice architectures, this role provides ample opportunities for professional development in architecture and system design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' commitment to innovation and growth provides senior server engineers with ample opportunities to advance their careers and make a significant impact on the organization's success. By embracing challenges and seeking out learning opportunities, you can drive your professional development and contribute to the growth of the digital collectibles industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Python: Prepare for questions about your advanced proficiency with Python 3.9 or higher, with a focus on API development and optimization using frameworks like Flask or Django.
AWS Services: Brush up on your familiarity with AWS cloud services, including S3, API Gateway, Lambda, EC2, and RDS, as well as caching tools like Redis and DynamoDB.
Microservice Architecture: Prepare for questions about your experience designing and implementing microservice architectures utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous technologies.
Large Data Sets: Familiarize yourself with strategies for handling large data sets (terabyte size) efficiently, optimizing performance and ensuring data integrity.
Real-Time Communication: Prepare for questions about your experience implementing real-time communication with WebSockets, enabling seamless user experiences and low-latency interactions.

Company & Culture Questions:

Fanatics Culture: Research Fanatics' culture and values, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to its customers.
Topps Digital Collectibles: Familiarize yourself with the Topps Digital Collectibles division, its products, and its role within the Fanatics organization.
Team Dynamics: Prepare for questions about your ability to work collaboratively with designers, product managers, and other stakeholders, ensuring cohesive and unified product features across the Fanatics/Topps Collectibles division.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

API Development & Optimization: Highlight your experience in building server-side applications and API development, with a focus on scalability, performance, and security.
Microservice Architecture: Showcase your expertise in designing and implementing microservice architectures, utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous technologies.
Large Data Sets: Include examples of your experience handling large data sets (terabyte size) efficiently, optimizing performance and ensuring data integrity.
Real-Time Communication: Demonstrate your ability to implement real-time communication with WebSockets, enabling seamless user experiences and low-latency interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Fanatics' interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit within the organization. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in server-side application development and API design, you will increase your chances of success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Server Engineer - Platform position at Fanatics:

Submit Your Application: Click the "Apply Now" button on the job listing to submit your application through the application link provided.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in server-side application development, API design, and cloud services, using relevant keywords and examples to demonstrate your qualifications for the role.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your experience in building server-side applications, API development, and technical leadership, with a focus on scalability, performance, and security.
Research Fanatics: Familiarize yourself with Fanatics' culture, values, and products, focusing on the Topps Digital Collectibles division and its role within the organization.
Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your Python skills, familiarity with AWS services, and experience with microservice architecture, real-time communication, and handling large data sets.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages:

Python
JavaScript
Node.js
Go
Java
C++
C#
Ruby
PHP
Swift
Objective-C
Kotlin
Rust
Elixir
Perl
Lua

Web Frameworks:

Flask
Django
Express.js
Spring Boot
Ruby on Rails
Laravel
ASP.NET
Phoenix
FastAPI
AdonisJS
Koa.js
NestJS
Sails.js
Strapi
Nuxt.js
Vue.js
React
Angular
Meteor
Phoenix LiveView
Phoenix Channels

Server Technologies:

Apache
Nginx
IIS
Tomcat
JBoss
WildFly
GlassFish
WebLogic
WebSphere
WebMatrix
LiteSpeed
Caddy
Traefik
HAProxy
Varnish
Squid
SquidGuard
SquidClamAV
SquidDirector
Nginx Plus
Nginx Unit
Nginx Controller
Nginx API
Nginx Plus RBA
Nginx DNS Manager
Nginx Load Balancer
Nginx Access Policy Manager
Nginx App Protect
Nginx Web Application Firewall
Nginx Web Application Security
Nginx Web Application Firewall Manager
Nginx Web Application Firewall Premium
Nginx Web Application Firewall Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise
Nginx Web Application Firewall Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus
Nginx Web Application Firewall Enterprise Premium Plus

Senior Server Engineer - Platform