Lead Server Programmer - World's Edge

At Xbox Game Studios, we are hard at work continuing the great legacy of Age of Empires, our beloved RTS (Real Time Strategy) franchise. We are a passionate group responsible for this amazing franchise and are expanding our team looking for a wonderful colleague that will be responsible for ensuring that our amazing fans will always be able to access the services they love.

As a Lead Server Programmer, you will play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of our server-side infrastructure for our gaming applications and services. You must have a strong background in designing, building, and robust game server systems. The ideal candidate understands first party development, enjoys collaborating with internal and external partners and be able to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of server systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and performance.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of experience in developing and debugging multi-threaded applications, managing live gaming services, and ensuring high availability and reliability with expertise in core Java, REST APIs, and Maven.
• 6+ years of experience with MySQL, JDBC, and cloud platforms (preferably Azure), along with an understanding of networking protocols, database management, and distributed systems architecture.
• 6+ years of experience of communication skills for conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, with previous experience in leadership or mentorship roles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 12+ years experience in server-side development, with deep expertise in core Java, REST APIs, and Maven.
• Familiarity with additional technologies such as C, C++, Kotlin, JSON, Redis, and OAuth.
• Proficiency in version control systems, particularly Git, with preferably additional experience in Perforce and the P4V client.
• Experience with Google Dagger for dependency injection in application development.
• Knowledge of server-to-server session validation and entitlement checks using third-party platforms.
• Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools and technologies, particularly Terraform.
• Experience in shipping a game, contributing to all stages of the development process.
• Problem-solving abilities and abilities to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environments.
• Proficient in CI/CD practices, preferably using Azure DevOps for streamlined development.
• Experience with Jetty or other server containers for application deployment, proficiency in Shell, Bash, PowerShell, and Groovy scripting for automation and task management, and familiarity with KQL (Kusto Query Language) for effective data querying and analysis.

Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $137,600 - $267,000 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $180,400 - $294,000 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until Janaury 17, 2025.

#GamingJobs

• Design and implement server-side architectures for the entire Age portfolio, ensuring comprehensive documentation and effective integration.
• Develop new features for our games and services while collaborating with the web team to enhance the website's functionality.
• Lead initiatives to optimize server performance and scalability, supporting expansive gaming environments with seamless user experiences.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, including game developers, QA engineers, community members, and designers, to integrate robust server solutions.
• Oversee live services, managing monitoring, troubleshooting, and real-time issue resolution to maintain optimal performance.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in server technologies, proposing and implementing innovative solutions to enhance our systems.

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