Checkmate boredom: Shape the future of ChessBase with us!

by ChessBase
8/4/2025 – Since 1986, we've been building chess software that inspires millions of players worldwide. Now, we're looking for someone with both technical and chess intuition. Not just to join the team, but to help lead it into the future.
Your personal chess trainer. Your toughest opponent. Your strongest ally.
FRITZ 20 is more than just a chess engine – it is a training revolution for ambitious players and professionals. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of serious chess training, or already playing at tournament level, FRITZ 20 will help you train more efficiently, intelligently and individually than ever before. 

Lead Developer - Chess Software

Location: Preferably Hamburg – or remote from a European time zone with regular visits to Hamburg.
Language: English (German a plus but not required)

Who we’re looking for

  • You're a seasoned software developer, ideally in C++ or a comparable high-level language.
  • You're ready to grow into a technical leadership role, as several of our long-standing senior developers will retire in the coming years.
  • You love tackling complex challenges, designing sustainable solutions, and making bold architectural decisions.
  • You're passionate about chess. You’ve played in clubs or tournaments, trained systematically, maybe even coached others. Ideally, you know ChessBase as a user and have ideas on what we could improve.
  • You thrive in collaboration, communicate clearly, and enjoy mentoring others.
  • You live in a European time zone, allowing for real-time collaboration with our team in Hamburg.

We’re not just looking for another coder. We’re looking for someone with vision. Someone who will help guide our development team into the next generation of ChessBase products.

What we offer

  • A clear path to technical leadership in a team of experienced (and soon retiring) developers.
  • A mature codebase with ~1.8 million lines of C++ code - plus web and cloud projects to match.
  • Plenty of freedom to pursue your own ideas and features.
  • A no-nonsense, pragmatic work culture: quick decisions, minimal bureaucracy.
  • A small, stable company with a big footprint in the chess world - and a long-term mindset.
  • A warm welcome, whether you join us in Hamburg or work remotely from Europe.

Our Tech Stack at a Glance

C++
Our core (~1.8 million lines). You’ll work on ChessBase for Windows, Fritz, Playchess Client, engine integration, and backend systems.

C# / ASP.NET Core
Used for backends powering our shop, news, video platforms, engine cloud, and more.

JavaScript / TypeScript / React
Frontends for ChessBase Mobile, Fritz & Chesster, PGN replay, tactics trainer - ~200,000 lines of JS code.

AI / Machine Learning
We embrace experimentation. GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, and our own AI prototypes (some published, some not) help power creative features like those in Fritz 20.

Databases: SQL Server, MongoDB.

Your Move

Join a team where chess is not just content - it’s culture.
Bring your skills, your creativity, and your curiosity. Help shape the future of ChessBase. And grow into a role that truly makes a difference.

Apply now: bewerbung@chessbase.com

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