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Principal Software Engineer - Engine Data Model

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Every day, tens of millions of people come to Roblox to explore, create, play, learn, and connect with friends in 3D immersive digital experiences– all created by our global community of developers and creators.

At Roblox, we’re building the tools and platform that empower our community to bring any experience that they can imagine to life. Our vision is to reimagine the way people come together, from anywhere in the world, and on any device. We’re on a mission to connect a billion people with optimism and civility, and looking for amazing talent to help us get there.

A career at Roblox means you’ll be working to shape the future of human interaction, solving unique technical challenges at scale, and helping to create safer, more civil shared experiences for everyone.

As a Principal Software Engineer of the Game Engine data model team, you will innovate on the core data structures that form the backbone of Roblox’s platform. In this role you will have first hand opportunity to design and build one of the core technologies that makes the Roblox game engine special.

The Data Model framework provides an interface between engine capabilities and our creators. It also acts as a fabric to core technologies, such as networking, scripting, studio, rendering and physics which are essential to the high performance of the Roblox game engine. This role is in our San Mateo, CA HQ three days a week (Tuesdays to Thursdays).

You Have:

At least 8+ years experience and expertise with C++ code-generation and analysis tools (libclang, Abstract Syntax Trees, etc).
Outstanding systems-level C++ programming skills.
Curiosity about the actual work the CPU does when you use smart pointers, templates, virtual functions, and blocks of memory, both structured and raw.
BS or MS in Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.

You Will:

Develop engine code that performs well for all user-created games on the Roblox platform.
Establish the foundational architecture and technical direction for the team.
Work cross-functionally, across teams and technology platforms to deliver high quality and amazing functionality.
Lead by example and mentor engineers to implement technological best practices, patterns, and strategies.
Improve the product quality by encouraging automation testing.
Take Ownership of projects throughout their full lifecycles.
Execute on all the devices Roblox supports - from desktop clients to mobile phone clients to console clients.

Additional Considerations:

Familiarity with game engines or other large-scale simulations is beneficial.
Excellent interpersonal skills and follow-through.
Ability to build systems that work and keep on working optimally.
Detailed in handling potential failure cases, and diligent in automated testing.
Willingness to learn, and stay up-to-date on technology developments.

For roles that are based at our headquarters in San Mateo, CA: The starting base pay for this position is as shown below. The actual base pay is dependent upon a variety of job-related factors such as professional background, training, work experience, location, business needs and market demand. Therefore, in some circumstances, the actual salary could fall outside of this expected range. This pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. All full-time employees are also eligible for equity compensation and for benefits.

Annual Salary Range

$289,460—$338,270 USD

Roles that are based in our San Mateo, CA Headquarters are in-office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with optional in-office on Monday and Friday (unless otherwise noted).

You’ll Love:

Industry-leading compensation package
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
A rewarding 401k program
Flexible vacation policy (varies by exemption status)
Roflex - Flexible and supportive work policy
Roblox Admin badge for your avatar
At Roblox HQ:

Free catered lunches five times a week and several fully stocked kitchens with unlimited snacks
Onsite fitness center and fitness program credit
Annual CalTrain Go Pass

Roblox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Roblox also provides reasonable accommodations for all candidates during the interview process.

Average salary estimate

$313865 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$289460K

$338270K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Principal Software Engineer - Engine Data Model, Roblox

At Roblox, we’re excited to announce an open position for a Principal Software Engineer - Engine Data Model in our San Mateo, California headquarters. Join us in our mission to connect a billion people through innovative experiences! Every day, millions of users explore the 3D worlds created by our talented community. As a Principal Software Engineer on the Game Engine data model team, you will have the unique opportunity to innovate and shape the core data structures that are integral to our platform. You will design and build the technologies that set the Roblox game engine apart, interfacing engine capabilities with our creators through the Data Model framework. This role requires an expert in C++ with a strong understanding of CPU operations and systems-level programming. You will not only lead the foundational architecture of the engine but also mentor fellow engineers in best practices and coding strategies. Collaboration is key in this role, as you will work alongside various teams to enhance functionality and product quality. If you're passionate about improving system performance through automation testing and eager to learn continuously, this is the perfect opportunity for you. The position is primarily on-site from Tuesday to Thursday, ensuring you stay engaged with our vibrant office culture. Join us at Roblox, where we’re shaping the future of human interaction and building a platform that fosters creativity and community. Let’s bring your expertise to life and help redefine how people connect around the world!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Software Engineer - Engine Data Model Role at Roblox

What are the responsibilities of the Principal Software Engineer - Engine Data Model at Roblox?

As a Principal Software Engineer - Engine Data Model at Roblox, you will play a critical role in designing and building core technologies that drive our game engine. Responsibilities include developing high-performance engine code for user-created games, establishing the team's technical direction, and executing across various platforms, including mobile and console. You will also mentor engineers, enforce best practices in coding, and advocate for automation testing to boost product quality.