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Principal Software Engineer - Systems

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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 on our Systems team, you will have an immediate impact on the building blocks of Roblox itself. The software you build is a very large application that empowers our global community of 2M+ developers to push the boundaries of interactive gaming. Your work will touch every part of the engine, from threading and memory management to physics and scripting. If you enjoy working on C++ software and have a passion for working on high-performance real-time applications alongside experienced and passionate engineers, you will be right at home on our growing Game Engine team.

You Will:

Develop engine code in C++ for sub-systems critical to the Roblox game engine
Work on sub-systems that handle data syncing between server and client, game-aware data streaming, and harmonizing resource usage to ensure gameplay works on various devices with varying CPU and memory capabilities
Work on every application Roblox develops, from mobile phone clients to cloud-based servers

You have:

8+ years of experience and you've worked on deep and challenging problems in large and complex C++ codebases.
System-level pointers, templates, and raw blocks of memory are tools to write code, not your enemies
Experience working in the guts of game engine or passion for learning it
Built systems that work and keep on working reliably
A curiosity to want to learn and stay up-to-date on technology development

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

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What You Should Know About Principal Software Engineer - Systems , Roblox

At Roblox, we're on a mission to reshape how people come together in the digital world, and we're looking for a talented Principal Software Engineer - Systems to join our growing team in San Mateo, CA. Imagine being a pivotal part of a platform that allows millions to explore, create, and play immersive 3D experiences. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll dive deep into the core of our game engine, crafting optimized C++ code that powers everything from gameplay mechanics to real-time data syncing across devices. Your expertise will help ensure seamless gameplay for our community of 2 million developers, enabling them to push their creative boundaries. With over 8 years of experience in complex C++ systems, you'll be comfortable navigating intricate codebases and excited to tackle unique technical challenges that emerge at scale. Here, your work will not just be about developing software; it’s about making connections and enhancing human interaction across the globe. Plus, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, a fantastic company culture, and opportunities for continued learning and development within a supportive team. If you are ready to make a real impact while having fun in a creative, collaborative environment, we can't wait to welcome you to Roblox!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Software Engineer - Systems Role at Roblox

What are the main responsibilities of a Principal Software Engineer - Systems at Roblox?

As a Principal Software Engineer - Systems at Roblox, your primary responsibility includes developing critical C++ engine code for our game engine's sub-systems. You will work on data syncing between server and client, manage game-aware data streaming, and harmonize resource usage for various devices. Your role is vital in ensuring that our platform remains robust and efficient for a diverse community of developers.