Principal Software Engineer (Services) - Teamfight Tactics, Core Tech

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 Principal Software Engineer (Core Tech - Services), you will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining backend services with Java and Spring as the primary technologies. Your expertise will drive the architecture and implementation of scalable, high-performance services that are essential to supporting the game’s core features and player experience.

Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership: Explore, define, and lead the development of technological initiatives, pushing the boundaries of innovation for new features
• Technical Architecture: Define and drive the architecture of backend services, ensuring scalability, high availability, and efficient performance for millions of players.
• Java/Spring Expertise: Use your mastery of Java and Spring (including Spring Boot and Spring Cloud) to develop, deploy, and refine backend systems that align with industry best practices.
• Performance Optimization & Troubleshooting: Identify performance bottlenecks, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement optimizations to maintain system reliability and responsiveness.
• Mentorship & Development: Coach and mentor other engineers, fostering a collaborative team culture with a strong emphasis on engineering best practices and continuous improvement.
• Scalability Focus: Design services with a focus on scalability and flexibility, applying knowledge of distributed systems and microservices architectures to support rapid growth and evolution.

Required Qualifications: 

• 10+ years of backend development experience, with a focus on Java and Spring, including architecture, design patterns, and performance tuning.
• 5+ years of experience in building and deploying scalable microservices and distributed systems.
• 5+ years of experience with troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues in production environments.
• 3+ years of experience mentoring and coaching other engineers.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) is a plus.
• Experience collaborating with teammates across multiple disciplines
• Product sense, pragmatism, and player empathy in making tech decisions
• BS in Computer Science, or proven understanding of Computer Science fundamentals

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of game engines and C++ 
• Familiarity with Teamfight Tactics

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 for more information.

Riot Games fosters a player and workplace experience that values teamwork embodied by the and . Our culture embraces differences as a strength, and our values are the guiding principles for how we approach work. We are committed to putting diversity and inclusion (D&I) at the center of everything we do, and promoting a fair and collaborative culture where Rioters treat one another with dignity and respect. We encourage you to read more about our value of and our ongoing work to build the .

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.