Lead Engineer, Cross-Platform (C++)

Genies is culture’s avatar technology company empowering developers and artists to create their own interoperable gamified consumer experiences. The company has raised $250 million from investors including Silver Lake, BOND, NEA, and Bob Iger. Initially, Genies were adopted by thousands of Hollywood icons including Justin Bieber and Rihanna through partnerships with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. Today, the company is also delivering avatars to the masses through experiences built with its Developer Kit and artist crowdsourced platform, The Workshop. These experiences all integrate together to form one avatar social network, Genies Party.

Genies is looking for a Lead Engineer, Cross-Platform (C++) to join our Developer Platform Team. In this role, you will focus on designing, developing and optimizing our cross-platform native avatar system and related Developer Platform components. This is a unique opportunity to build a core piece of Genies technology with a zero-to-one mentality. The avatar system is in the middle of everything we do at Genies, so this is one of the most critical areas for the Developer Platform and entire company.

This is a high-impact role, requiring deep native development experience, mobile (iOS and Android) and web (WebGL) expertise, excellent collaboration and mentorship skills combined with a strong sense of ownership. The role reports to the Director of Engineering, and can be seated in either our SF Bay Area office (San Mateo) or Los Angeles based HQ.

Genies will deliver on creating an interoperable avatar network. Are you up for helping us make it happen? Join us in shaping the future of avatar technology!

What You’ll be Doing:

• Optimize the avatar system for performance across various platforms, including mobile, desktop, VR, AR, and WebGL
• Design and implement a comprehensive avatar framework for customization, animation, and real-time interaction
• Develop and optimize 3D character models, including rigging, skinning, and animation
• Collaborate with the art team to integrate high-fidelity character assets into the framework
• Work with the backend team to ensure seamless integration with user data and networked environments
• Implement AI-driven features to enhance avatar realism and interactivity
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in avatar technology and incorporate best practices into the development process
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to avatar functionality and performance

What You Should Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
•  Advanced degrees are a plus
• Strong programming skills in C++ and experience in building native applications
• Familiarity with real-time rendering techniques and performance optimization
• Experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and transitioning systems from these engines to native implementations
• Proven experience in developing avatar systems or similar frameworks in a professional setting
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and animation tools such as Blender, Maya, or similar software
• Knowledge of VR/AR technologies and their integration with avatar systems
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AI and machine learning techniques for enhancing avatar behavior
• Background in developing networked multiplayer systems
• Experience with WebGL and web-based 3D graphics development
• Understanding of human anatomy and motion capture technologies

How Genies will support you

Genies is a well-funded, growing start-up that cares deeply about each of our employees' growth and success. Our roles and their responsibilities are created with a breadth of scope that introduces each employee to exciting new challenges and opportunities that a growing start-up encounters. The actual base pay is dependent upon a number of factors, including: professional background, training, transferable skills, work experience, education, location, business and product needs, and market demand. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Full-time employees may also be eligible for equity compensation, in addition to a robust health, wellness, and benefits package. 

Starting Salary Range: $210,000 to $275,000

Here's why you'll love working at Genies:

• You'll work with a team that you’ll be able to learn from and grow with, including support for your own professional development
• You'll be at the helm of your own career, shaping it with your own innovative contributions to a nascent team and product with flexible hours and a work from home policy
• You'll enjoy the culture and perks of a startup, with the stability of being well funded
• Comprehensive health insurance for you and your family (Anthem + Kaiser Options Available), Dental and Vision Insurance
• Competitive salaries for all full time employees
• Unlimited paid time off, sick time, and paid company holidays, in addition to paid parental leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave for full-time employees
• Health & wellness support through programs such as monthly wellness reimbursement
• Working in a brand new, bright, open-environment and fun office space - there’s even a slide!

Genies is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an inclusive work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We value diversity, inclusion, and aim to provide a sense of belonging for everyone.