Senior Software Engineer, Backend

Avalanche, a division of WB Games Inc., is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to architect and implement the backend infrastructure for a new online multiplayer RPG. This role involves designing, developing, and maintaining scalable and secure backend services such as player data persistence, matchmaking, and server infrastructure, while collaborating with engineering, art, and design teams and mentoring junior engineers. The position requires participation in the full development process from concept to live-ops.

Must Have

• Architecting, developing, and implementing key backend game systems, features, and services
• Design, implement, and maintain scalable and secure backend services, including player data persistence, matchmaking, lobbies, and server infrastructure
• Work closely with the project engineering team to architect and develop high quality, low-latency, and highly responsive code
• Integrate with internal and external shared services and libraries
• Perform peer code reviews and champion a high standard of code excellence
• Collaborate with the design and gameplay teams to build supporting backend systems and tools
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on new features
• Participate in all parts of the development process from concept through to live-ops

Good to Have

• A passion for online multiplayer RPGs and deep experience with online games
• Deep knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in online gaming
• Experience with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and deployment strategies for live games
• Familiarity with anti-cheat solutions and game security best practices
• Deep understanding of Performance Analysis and Optimizations
• Knowledge of Unreal’s newest replication system, Iris

Perks & Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Employee wellness program
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays
• Sick time
• Vacation
• Annual bonuses
• Short- and long-term incentives
• Program-specific awards

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Avalanche is a Warner Bros. Games studio located in downtown Salt Lake City nestled against the backdrop of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. We’ve been in the video game business since 1995, creating interactive experiences for fans of the world’s largest franchises. Join the team behind the blockbuster open world, action RPG Hogwarts Legacy as we create what’s next!

The Job

Avalanche, a division of WB Games Inc., is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our team of talented industry veterans working on a new online multiplayer RPG. This person will work closely with project engineering, art, and design leadership to architect and implement the backend infrastructure for an online multiplayer RPG.

The ideal candidate will own and support a variety of critical backend services, demonstrating high competency for developing secure, scalable, and highly available online systems.

What part will you play?

• Architecting, developing, and implementing key backend game systems, features, and services.
• Design, implement, and maintain scalable and secure backend services, including player data persistence, matchmaking, lobbies, and server infrastructure.
• Work closely with the project engineering team to architect and develop high quality, low-latency, and highly responsive code.
• Integrate with internal and external shared services and libraries.
• Perform peer code reviews and champion a high standard of code excellence.
• Collaborate with the design and gameplay teams to build supporting backend systems and tools.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on new features.
• Participate in all parts of the development process from concept through to live-ops.

What do we need from you?

• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience, working on cross-functional teams.
• Experience on at least one successfully-published large-scale multiplayer online game title or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science (or a related field) or equivalent work experience.
• Computer Science fundamentals in object-oriented design, algorithms, and data structures.
• Deep understanding of server architecture, cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Gamelift, Lambda), backend services, and microservices.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols and multiplayer systems (e.g., matchmaking, persistence, replication).
• Proficient experience with the Unreal Engine specific network/multiplayer features (OnlineSubsystems, EOS, RepGraph, Subobject replication, RPCs).
• Strong problem solving, debugging, and troubleshooting skills.

Good to Have

• A passion for online multiplayer RPGs and deep experience with online games.
• Deep knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in online gaming.
• Experience with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and deployment strategies for live games.
• Familiarity with anti-cheat solutions and game security best practices.
• Deep understanding of Performance Analysis and Optimizations.
• Knowledge of Unreal’s newest replication system, Iris.

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $123,900.00 - $230,100.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

If you’re a qualified candidate with an arrest or conviction record, please know that your application will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.