Sr. Game Technology Architect (Project-Based Role)

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Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are! 

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration.  Our Vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.  

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of: 

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.

• Provocative Playfulness:  We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.

• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.

• Authentic Compassion: We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.

• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on….

Job Description:

This is a project based role with an anticipated duration of 3+ years.

Location: Santa Fe, NM; Denver, CO; Las Vegas, NV; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; New York, NY; or Los Angeles, CA.

Compensation: The base salary range for this position starts at $131,357.  Compensation is based on location and experience.  

Deadline: The deadline for submitting applications for this position is September 19, 2025. Meow Wolf reserves the right to extend this deadline if needed.

Job Summary:

We’re on the lookout for a Sr. Game Technology Architect to marry game-backend wizardry with embedded-systems know-how. You’ll be the maestro orchestrating everything from Nakama-powered quest engines to microcontroller-driven PCBs tucked inside our interactive exhibits. Think of it as building the digital and physical facets of Meow Wolf’s next level of immersive magic. If you’ve been secretly daydreaming about rewriting “how things have always been done” in real-time game mechanics, and you can solder components and flash firmware onto a board with your eyes closed, read on —you may have just found your dream job.

Working primarily with Nakama and other modern backend technologies, you'll be responsible for:

• Game Engine Enhancement: Optimizing and expanding our core engine to support dynamic game mechanics that bridge digital and physical play.

• Ecosystem Integration: Developing scalable backend services and hardware that seamlessly connect different game modules and external systems.,

• Mechanics & Systems: Building and fine-tuning game mechanics that ensure smooth, real-time interactions, whether players are on-site or remote.

• Embedded System Design:  Develop microcontroller PCBs and firmware for sensor/actuator integration (RFID, BLE, UWB), optimizing low-power real-time performance, reliable wireless communication, OTA updates and field diagnostics.

If you're a backend aficionado who loves turning complex challenges into elegant, efficient systems—and you're not afraid to push the boundaries of what's possible in interactive gaming—this role is your playground. Join us, and help create the future of gaming where every interaction counts.

Key Responsibilities:

Backend Architecture & Game Mechanics

• Design, build and optimize the core game-engine back end using Nakama and modern cloud tech.

• Enable real-time interactions and seamless integration across exhibits, mobile apps and VR.

• Build, test, and deploy software that enables next generation guest experiences.

• Be proficient in server-side development and optimization of data, in