Staff Software Engineer

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 Staff Software Engineer (Build/Services) on the Teamfight Tactics Core Tech team, you will provide technical leadership, architectural design, and hands-on implementation for core systems supporting build processes, CI/CD pipelines, test automation, release management, and developer tools. Your role will be pivotal in establishing and optimizing foundational systems that ensure efficient, reliable, and scalable game development and deployment. You will report to a Senior Engineering manager on the Teamfight Tactics team.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain patterns, tooling, and standards for foundational systems.
• Maintain and optimize critical foundational systems to support game development and deployment, with a focus on build processes, performance monitoring, art and gameplay tools, and cross-functional deployment solutions.
• Contribute to the CI/CD pipeline configuration and test automation efforts (e.g., performance monitoring, functional testing) to enhance product stability and delivery efficiency.
• Build and maintain tools to support efficient release and version management, enhancing workflows for consistent and reliable game product delivery.
• Participate in technical and architectural discussions, collaborating closely with the gameplay, backend, and core tech teams on scalable, cross-functional solutions.
• Champion engineering excellence, ensuring high standards in code quality, maintainability, and documentation, with a focus on clear, scalable, and sustainable code.
• Cultivate technical growth by mentoring engineers and sustaining a culture of collaboration and engineering excellence.
• Own build engineering operations, including managing monitoring dashboards, Slack integrations, and improving code submission tooling.
• Maintain and track build metrics across build machines and development environments, and provide robust CI build support for both production deployment and internal developer workflows.

Required Qualifications:

• 6+ years experience in professional software development
• 4+ years of professional experience in C++/Java
• 3+ years of professional experience with Unreal Engine and Horde (Experience shipping a project with these is a plus)
• Demonstrated experience with both Mobile and PC/desktop build environments
• 3+ Perforce experience
• Demonstrated experience in game build processes, CI/CD pipeline configuration, and test automation
• Strong OO C/C++/C# programming experience and data driven design principles
• Product sense, pragmatism, and developer empathy in making tech decisions
• BS in Computer Science, or proven understanding of Computer Science fundamentals

Desired Qualifications:

• Online SaaS (software as a service) game development experience
• Experience building developer workflows
• Mobile or multi-platform performance profiling
• Experience working across multiple teams and initiatives, with a track record of contributing to central technology groups and larger-scale organizational goals.

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.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

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 $192,500.00 - $269,400.00 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 $192,500.00 - $269,400.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.