Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay Networking SME - Unpublished R&D Product

Company: Riot Games
Location: Mercer Island
Posted on: May 21, 2025

Job Description:

Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay Networking SME - Unpublished R&D ProductMercer Island, USAJob Id: REQ-0007932Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. As a Software Engineer, you'll also dive into projects that focus on team cohesiveness and cross-team objectives. You'll drive important features and provide other engineers with a clear illustration of extraordinary engineering.As a Principal Software Engineer focused on networking and simulation technology, you will use your understanding of the entire software development lifecycle to help us prepare and deliver our game to a mass market while remaining focused on defining and delivering an outstanding gameplay experience for players. As a Gameplay Engineer with expertise in real-time multiplayer networking, you will be responsible for delivering technical solutions that improve gameplay integrity and empower content creators to explore gameplay concepts quickly and confidently in realistic conditions.Responsibilities:

• Contribute to a team focused on building technical solutions that will allow us to deliver smooth and responsive gameplay over the public internet
• Serve as a subject-matter-expert on real-time multiplayer networking and latency mitigation techniques
• Drive and contribute to technical designs related to simulation and networking systems
• Help shape the technical direction and standards for the team
• Mentor and coach other engineers on the projectRequired Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of game development experience.
  • Experience employing latency mitigation techniques in a real-time online multiplayer game.
  • Experience shipping and regularly updating a live service game for a large audience
  • Has set technical direction for 3+ other engineersDesired Qualifications:
    • Knowledge of modern C++ development practices
    • Understanding of TCP/IP routing and bandwidth optimization techniques.
    • Working knowledge of a real-time physics engineFor 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!Riot has a focus on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy, in addition to 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 theSummoner'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 dataCommunication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minorsAccessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networksEnsuring a safe interactive environment for players and other RiotersThese 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.
      • (Mercer Island only) Base salary range between $229,200.00 - $319,500.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
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Keywords: Riot Games, Kent , Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay Networking SME - Unpublished R&D Product, IT / Software / Systems , Mercer Island, Washington