Principal Core Systems Engineer

1 Week ago • 12 Years + • Game Engine

Job Summary

Job Description

The Principal Core Systems Engineer will drive innovation and set technical direction for game engine and rendering technology at Disney Digital Entertainment. Responsibilities include developing technical designs for game engine software systems, building and optimizing core systems for Unreal Engine (UE) and Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), writing and reviewing C++ code, solving complex software problems, leading the creation and adoption of technical standards, contributing to cross-organizational initiatives, improving system performance, mentoring engineers, and driving leading-edge projects. This role requires 12+ years of experience in software development, focusing on game engine and rendering systems, and deep expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine 5.
Must have:
  • 12+ years software development experience
  • Game engine & rendering systems expertise
  • C++ programming mastery
  • Unreal Engine 5 & UEFN experience
  • Technical leadership & design skills
  • Problem-solving & performance optimization
  • Mentorship and collaboration

Job Details

Job Summary:

About the Role & Team

Disney Digital Entertainment, a division of Disney Experiences, is redefining how audiences interact with The Walt Disney Company—creating the ‘digital front door’ that unites all of Disney’s magic into a cohesive, interactive universe.

Disney Digital Entertainment is seeking a Principal Core Systems Engineer to drive innovation and set technical direction for game engine and rendering technology.

As a principal individual contributor, you will develop technical design specifications, create core software for new engine modules, and enhance existing functionality. Your expertise will solve the most complex challenges, influence cross-organizational initiatives, and establish technical standards for engine development.

This role can be based remotely in Sweden, Denmark, Finland or Norway.

What You Will Do

  • Technical Leadership: Develop and drive technical designs for game engine software systems, ensuring scalability, performance, and reliability.

  • Game Engine Expertise: Build and optimize core systems for Unreal Engine (UE) and Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), elevating engine capabilities to new heights.

  • C++ Mastery: Write and review clean, maintainable, and extensible C++ code, setting standards for quality and best practices.

  • Complex Problem Solving: Solve the most challenging software problems in innovative ways, leveraging deep technical expertise.

  • Technical Standards: Lead the creation and adoption of technical standards for engine programming across teams.

  • Cross-Organizational Initiatives: Contribute to initiatives that impact multiple departments, collaborating with peers and management to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

  • Performance Optimization: Architect solutions to improve system performance, including profiling and optimizing for speed and memory across CPU and GPU.

  • Mentorship and Evangelism: Guide and mentor engineers of all experience levels, fostering technical growth and advocating for new technologies and solutions.

  • Strategic Contribution: Drive leading-edge projects and initiatives, aligning efforts with organizational objectives and setting the technical direction for future development.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Expertise and Vision: 12+ years of progressively complex experience in software development, with a focus on game engine and rendering systems.

  • Technical Mastery: Recognized expertise in C++ programming, technical design, and building scalable, feature-rich engine systems.

  • Leadership and Influence: A proven track record of driving technical innovation and setting organizational standards.

  • Strategic Problem-Solving: The ability to tackle unique challenges and deliver impactful solutions across teams and departments.

  • Collaboration and Communication: Exceptional skills in working with internal and external stakeholders to align on complex technical initiatives.

  • Innovation and Mentorship: A passion for mentoring engineers and evangelizing new technologies and methodologies.

  • UE and UEFN Expertise: Deep experience with Unreal Engine 5 and the UEFN toolchain, with an understanding of modern rendering pipelines and techniques.

  • Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Why Disney Digital Entertainment?

  • Be part of an innovative mission to deliver the next generation of Disney’s digital magic to fans around the globe.

  • Collaborate with premier talent to build scalable systems powering Disney’s most iconic franchises, including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.

  • Shape the backend systems for a groundbreaking new interactive experience and impact millions of players worldwide.

  • Work in a collaborative, global environment where innovation, creativity, and technical excellence thrive.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided the necessary accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive all benefits of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Similar Jobs

Theorycraft Games - UI Engineer

Theorycraft Games

(Remote)
1 Week ago
ByteDance - Site Reliability Engineer, Edge Services

ByteDance

Boston, Massachusetts, United States (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Cloud Imperium Games - Engine Programmer

Cloud Imperium Games

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Skydio - Senior Software Engineer - Manufacturing Software

Skydio

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)
5 Months ago
NVIDIA - Senior CUDA Test Development Software Engineer

NVIDIA

Shanghai, Shanghai, China (On-Site)
21 Hours ago
Playrix - Senior C++/Python Software Engineer (Engine)

Playrix

Ireland (Remote)
5 Months ago
Visual Concepts - Engineer

Visual Concepts

Austin, Texas, United States (On-Site)
6 Days ago
Rocket Werkz - MATHEMATICIAN PROGRAMMER

Rocket Werkz

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (On-Site)
9 Months ago
PAPAYA - Unity Developer

PAPAYA

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel (On-Site)
7 Months ago
Playrix - Senior Unity Software Engineer (Gameplay)

Playrix

Ukraine (Remote)
5 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Similar Skill Jobs

Epic Games - QA Engineering Specialist

Epic Games

Porto Alegre, State Of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil (On-Site)
1 Week ago
Animoca Brands - Game Developer

Animoca Brands

Philippines (Remote)
5 Months ago
Index Exchange - Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Index Exchange

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (Remote)
5 Months ago
NVIDIA - Senior Mixed-Signal Design Verification Engineer

NVIDIA

Santa Clara, California, United States (On-Site)
4 Days ago
NVIDIA - Senior Software Engineer

NVIDIA

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Rockstar Games - Gameplay Animator (Mid/Senior)

Rockstar Games

Oakville, Ontario, Canada (On-Site)
5 Days ago
Playrix - Principal C++ Software Engineer (Tools)

Playrix

Armenia (Remote)
5 Months ago
NVIDIA - Firmware Manager

NVIDIA

Yokne'am Illit, North District, Israel (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Google - Student Researcher, PhD, Winter/Summer 2025

Google

Mountain View, California, United States (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Playtika - TypeScript Technical Lead

Playtika

Poland (Hybrid)
5 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Jobs in Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden

Every matrix - Head of Managed Services

Every matrix

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (Hybrid)
2 Months ago
Mojang Studios - Java Product Manager

Mojang Studios

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (Hybrid)
3 Weeks ago
Coffee Stain - Senior Game Designer

Coffee Stain

Gothenburg, Västra Götaland County, Sweden (On-Site)
5 Months ago
Haptic - Backend Engineer (Go)

Haptic

Sweden (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Embark Studios - Product Manager - Games

Embark Studios

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Ubisoft - Senior Character Artist [Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora]

Ubisoft

Malmö, Skåne County, Sweden (Hybrid)
3 Months ago
LeoVegas - Senior Software Architect - Native Apps

LeoVegas

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (On-Site)
5 Months ago
Resolution Games - VFX Artist

Resolution Games

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (Hybrid)
20 Hours ago
Epic Games - IP Operations Specialist, Trust & Safety

Epic Games

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Starbreeze Studios - Animation Programmer

Starbreeze Studios

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (Hybrid)
1 Month ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Game Engine Jobs

Light Speed Studios - Lead Engine Systems Engineer

Light Speed Studios

Irvine, California, United States (On-Site)
6 Months ago
Epic Games - Principal Research Engineer

Epic Games

Cary, North Carolina, United States (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Ubisoft - The Division Resurgence – Senior Generalist Developer

Ubisoft

Saint-Mandé, Île-de-France, France (Hybrid)
2 Months ago
BULKHEAD - Principal Core Tech Engineer

BULKHEAD

(Remote)
6 Days ago
SmileGate - Next Crossfire Mode Planning

SmileGate

Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Probably Monsters - Lead Site Reliability Engineer

Probably Monsters

Texas, United States (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Wizcorp - Project Manager - Game Development

Wizcorp

Tokyo, Japan (Remote)
1 Week ago
Stardock - Game Developer

Stardock

Plymouth, Michigan, United States (On-Site)
6 Days ago
Hologate gmbh - Unreal Engine Developer (C++)

Hologate gmbh

Munich, Bavaria, Germany (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Playrix - Lead Unity Software Engineer (Gameplay)

Playrix

Ireland (Remote)
5 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

About The Company

From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started!

The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of…

What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!

Anaheim, California, United States (On-Site)

Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States (On-Site)

Hong Kong (On-Site)

Papenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany (On-Site)

Hong Kong (On-Site)

Île-de-France, France (On-Site)

Île-de-France, France (On-Site)

Île-de-France, France (On-Site)

Île-de-France, France (On-Site)

Île-de-France, France (On-Site)

View All Jobs

Get notified when new jobs are added by The Walt Disney Company

Level Up Your Career in Game Development!

Transform Your Passion into Profession with Our Comprehensive Courses for Aspiring Game Developers.

Job Common Plug