Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay - 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 (Gameplay / Gameplay Tools) in the Teamfight Tactics team, you will create new gameplay mechanics, develop tools and workflows that make it easier for designers and artists to create awesome experiences for our players, and ensure that we can ship our game across all platforms every two weeks while maintaining quality. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of artists, designers, engineers, producers, and QA. You will report to an Engineering manager on the Teamfight Tactics team. 

Responsibilities: 

• Build in-game features, including new functionality for champions, traits, and set mechanics in TFT that cannot be executed on by design alone 
• Make it easier for developers to create awesome experiences by improving their tools and workflows 
• Build foundational capabilities for integrating gameplay with art, audio, and UI 
• Collaborate on technical/architectural discussions 
• Contribute to architecture requirements, technical design, and implementation for relevant systems 
• 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: 

• 6+ years of game development experience 
• 4+ years of professional experience in C++ 
• Significant experience with client/server architectures and server authoritative games 
• Strong knowledge of common game and software design patterns 
• Proficiency using game engines (ex. Unity, Unreal Engine) 
• Experience with profiling and addressing performance problems in a real time graphical application 
• Experience with building game content tools and pipelines 
• Experience with software development, including shipping one or more products on large code bases that span a range of platforms and tools. 
• Experience collaborating across departments to create solutions 
• Product sense, pragmatism, and player empathy in making tech decisions 
• BS in Computer Science, or proven understanding of Computer Science fundamentals 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with Teamfight Tactics 
• Experience with Python, Lua, HTML/CSS, or Javascript
• Familiarity with digital content creation tools such as Maya, PhotoShop, 3D Studio Max, Wwise etc. 

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.

Riot Games fosters a player and workplace experience that values teamwork embodied by the Summoner's Code and Community Code. Our culture embraces differences as a strength, and our values are the guiding principles for how we approach work. We are committed to putting diversity and inclusion (D&I) at the center of everything we do, and promoting a fair and collaborative culture where Rioters treat one another with dignity and respect. We encourage you to read more about our value of thriving together and our ongoing work to build the most inclusive company in Gaming.

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. 

(Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $218,300.00 - $304,300.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.

(Mercer Island Only) Base salary range between $218,300.00 - $304,300.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.