Lead Software Development Engineer - Magic Arena

Wizards of the Coast is seeking a Lead Software Development Engineer for Magic Arena. This role involves leading a team of Unity/C++ engineers to implement game mechanics and game-flow features, collaborating with various teams, and translating complex game rules into modular, testable components. The ideal candidate will have extensive software engineering experience, particularly in live game services, and a passion for fostering engineering excellence.

Must Have

• Lead a team of 4-5 Unity/C++ engineers
• Design and implement solutions aligned with architectural designs and engineering standards
• Translate complex Magic: The Gathering® mechanics into modular, testable components
• Empower the team to implement game rules and shape technical direction
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement new features
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of total job experience
• Experience leading and mentoring effective teams
• Strong coding, debugging, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient with multiple programming languages (C#, C++, Java, or similar)

Good to Have

• A passion for digital card games and Magic: The Gathering

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Generous 401(k) Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Volunteer & Employee Giving Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Product Discounts & More!

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre-defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That’s where you come in!

Do you have extensive experience as a software engineer, particularly in developing and maintaining live game services, as well as leading a team of engineers?

Wizards is looking for a hard-working and passionate Lead Engineer to help us implement game mechanics and game-flow features for Magic Arena. This role will mentor and lead engineers that collaborate frequently with designers, front-end developers, and backend services to deliver a fast and engaging digital experience with all the strategy of authentic Magic.

With a technical background and proven game development experience, this Lead Engineer will also apply their expert knowledge to provide technical insight and guidance to the team. They will work with many other disciplines and development teams to ensure the highest levels of engineering excellence.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead a team of 4-5 Unity/C++ engineers, collaborating closely with design, QA, and backend teams to deliver high-quality gameplay systems.
• Design and implement solutions in alignment with architectural designs, best engineering standards, and production needs.
• Analyze and interpret the intricate mechanics of Magic: The Gathering®, translating complex card interactions and legacy systems into modular, testable components using modern software engineering practices.
• Empower the team to implement game rules mechanics, build on our natural language parser to bring cards to life in Arena, and proactively shape the long-term technical direction of these systems.
• Collaborate with Game Design, Rules Engineering, Services, Art, and other cross-functional teams to define technical requirements for new features and implement them with high quality and consistent delivery.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent experience in professional software development.
• 6+ years of total job experience.
• Experience leading and mentoring effective teams.
• Culture-building mindset focused on ownership, continuous learning, and inclusive collaboration.
• Strong coding, debugging and problem-solving skills and the ability to write readable, maintainable code.
• Strong communication and teamwork with diverse groups of people in various roles.
• Proficient with multiple programming languages. C#, C++, Java, or similar.
• A passion for digital card games and Magic: The Gathering is preferred but not a requirement.

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Wizards of the Coast is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. We are committed to making all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process and need to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or coordinator.