Staff Software Engineer, Services - Teamfight Tactics, Core Tech

Job Description

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 Staff Software Engineer (Core Tech - Services), you will play a role in designing, developing, and maintaining backend services with Java and Spring as the primary technologies. Your experience will drive the design and implementation of scalable, high-performance services that are essential to supporting the game's core features and player experience. You will report to a Senior Engineering manager of Core Tech on the Teamfight Tactics team.

Responsibilities:
• Java/Spring Expertise: Use your knowledge of Java and Spring (including Spring Boot and Spring Cloud) to develop, deploy, and refine backend systems that align with industry best practices.
• Technical Architecture: Collaborate with principal engineers to design and architect backend services, ensuring scalability, high availability, and efficient performance for millions of players.
• 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:
• 7+ years of backend development experience, with a focus on Java and Spring, including architecture, design patterns, and performance tuning
• 3+ years of experience in building and deploying scalable microservices and distributed systems
• 3+ years of experience with troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues in production environments
• Experience mentoring and coaching other engineers
• Proficiency with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• 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!

• (Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $192,500.00 - $269,400.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
• (Mercer Island only) Base salary range between $192,500.00 - $269,400.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-r76ov6-3-137-200-226-42 in your application.