Principal Software Engineer, Core Tech - Teamfight Tactics

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. As Software Engineers, we work with both new and current technology, creating innovative solutions to overcome high-volume obstacles and to deliver player value.

As a Principal Software Engineer (Core Tech) on Teamfight Tactics, you will provide technical leadership, technical designs and hands-on implementations for a wide area of technical areas including rendering and graphics in a game development environment.  You will report to a Senior Engineering Manager on the Teamfight Tactics team.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to technical direction for engine systems, anticipating upcoming opportunities and risks
• Collaborate on technical/architectural discussions and technical design 
• Design, implement, and maintain advanced real-time rendering features
• Responsible for defining rendering architecture and standards for gameplay and the engine itself
• Profile and optimize rendering performance for multiple platforms
• Implementation of foundational systems including cross-platform support, art pipelines, performance, and gameplay tools
• Participate in the planning and execution of engineering work including requirements gathering, technical discovery, technical design, and work breakdown and estimation.
• Work closely with gameplay and backend teams to deliver foundational technology for the game product. 
• Ensure exceptional code quality by adhering to engineering excellence which includes: code maintainability, quality, monitoring, code reviews, and documentation
• Provide mentorship to engineers, tech artists, and tech designers.

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years experience in game engine rendering, graphics programming, or related fields
• Proficient in C++ and shader languages
• Experience in game rendering and engine performance profiling
• Strong OO C/C++/C# programming experience and data driven design principles
• Strong knowledge of common game and software design patterns
• Experience collaborating with teammates across multiple disciplines
• Product sense, pragmatism, and player empathy in making tech decisions
• BS in Computer Science, or proven understanding of Computer Science fundamentals

Desired Qualifications:

• Previously worked with gameplay ability system (GAS) in unreal
• Online SaaS (software as a service) game development experience
• Experience building developer workflows
• Mobile or multi-platform performance profiling
• Familiarity with Teamfight Tactics

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
• Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
• Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
• Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.