Senior Staff Engineer Software, Topps - Fanatics Live & Collect
Fanatics
Finding a "bridge" leader who can navigate the technical nuances of the WeChat ecosystem while translating progress for a US-based leadership team is a specialized hire. In China, this role is often called a Technical Project Manager(TPM) or Hands-on Engineering Manager.
To attract the right talent, emphasize WeChat Mini-Program expertise and Cross-Border Compliance —the biggest hurdles for US firms entering the Chinese digital market.
Fanatics is seeking a high-caliber Senior Staff Engineer to lead the launch and evolution of the
Topps.com e-commerce experience in China. This unique, high-impact role puts you on the ground as the primary technical leader.
You won't just "manage"—you'll be the guardian of our technical standards. While a local vendor executes the builds, you'll architect the strategy, audit the code, and ensure our WeChat-based e-commerce platform meets the world-class standards of the Fanatics global brand.
Key Responsibilities:
- Vendor Oversight & Quality Control: Serve as the primary technical point of contact for our Chinese development partner. Conduct regular code reviews and architectural audits to ensure scalability, security, and performance.
- Project Orchestration: Bridge the gap between US business requirements and local execution. Own the roadmap, manage sprints, and ensure the vendor meets aggressive delivery milestones.
- WeChat Ecosystem Expertise: Lead WeChat Mini-Program development, ensuring seamless integration with WeChat Pay, shipping APIs, and local social sharing features.
- Technical Liaison: Translate complex technical blockers into clear, actionable updates for the English-speaking executive team in the US.
- Compliance & Localization: Ensure all technology solutions comply with Chinese data privacy laws (PIPL) and local cybersecurity regulations.
Required Qualifications
- Education: B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science or related technical field.
- Experience: 7+ years in software engineering, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership or vendor-management role.
- WeChat Mastery: Proven track record launching successful e-commerce products on the WeChat Mini-Program (小程序) platform.
The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Subject to applicable laws, Fanatics Collectibles may choose to run a background check.
Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don’t fall victim to fraud. Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com). For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers.
Fanatics Collectibles is a new model and vision for the hobby, fundamentally changing the experience for current and future collectors, leagues, and players across many U.S. and international professional and college sports. The organization has long-term, exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards for several sports and entertainment properties, including MLB, MLBPA, the Premier League, MLS, UFC, Formula 1 as well as Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, among others. In January 2022, Fanatics Collectibles announced the acquisition of Topps, establishing the preeminent licensed trading card brand as the cornerstone of Fanatics’ trading cards and collectibles business, and jumpstarted its MLB and MLBPA rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards