Lead Software Engineer, Engine Systems

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

$121K — $224K *
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of game development engineering experience or equivalent training.
  • Proficiency in proprietary C++ engines, Unreal Engine, or similar AAA game environments.
  • Experience in optimizing engine systems for PCs and modern consoles.
  • Previous leadership role with at least one released game title.
  • Strong skills in multithreading, performance analysis, and code optimization.
  • Ability to write, debug, and enhance production-quality C++ code.
  • Experience in mentoring engineers and developing talent.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and mentor the engine core team of engineers.
  • Serve as the main contact for engine functionalities, collaborating with stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with production staff for milestone planning and tracking.
  • Document technical designs detailing project decisions and risks.
  • Guide best practices for engine usage to support designers and gameplay engineers.
  • Drive processes and tools to ensure efficient game operation across platforms.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
  • 401(k) with company match and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
  • Flexible paid time off including holidays, vacation, and parental leave.
  • Mental health and wellness programs, plus fitness benefits.
  • Relocation assistance for those moving for the role.
Full Job Description
Team Name:

Job Title:
Lead Software Engineer, Engine Systems

Requisition ID:
R027633

Job Description:

We need you

The minions of hell are growing stronger...

Join us as we continue to shape the Diablo universe! Diablo games are action RPG experiences with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot. Come work with us, and together we'll create something amazing. Our team of passionate developers is growing.

We are seeking a Lead Engine Systems Engineer to help drive the creation of new ARPG experiences within one of Blizzard's most iconic worlds, Diablo. In this role, you will lead and support a team of engineers focused on advancing the core technology that powers the game, including streaming, asset loading, job scheduling, performance systems, platform support, and key runtime systems across audio, physics, UI, VFX, and more.

You will partner closely with engineering leadership and cross-disciplinary teams to identify technical risks, shape priorities, and guide the roadmap for critical systems that enable smooth, stable, and performant gameplay across platforms. This role balances hands-on technical contribution with team leadership, helping deliver scalable engine technology that supports both current and future Diablo experiences.

This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on-site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you're also welcome to work on-site full-time if you prefer. Our primary studio locations are Irvine, CA or Albany, NY.

Responsibilities

  • Manage, evaluate, and mentor the engineering staff of the engine core team.


  • Act as the primary point of contact for required engine functionality, collaborating with multi-disciplinary stakeholders and with project leadership to define and execute project requirements.


  • Partner with the production staff and the rest of the leadership team for milestone planning and tracking development progress.


  • Author and maintain technical design documents that outline key project architectural decisions, features, milestones, and technical risks.


  • Provide engine-based guidance and define best practices that empower designers, artists, and gameplay engineers to deliver the vision of the game and ensure we delight and entertain our players.


  • Partner in driving processes and tooling necessary to ensure the game runs smoothly and efficiently across multiple hardware platforms of varying capabilities.


Minimum Requirements

Experience

  • 8+ years of experience in game development engineering, or a combination of applicable training and experience.


  • Experience working in proprietary C++ engines, Unreal Engine, or similar AAA game engine environments.


  • Experience tuning engine systems to run efficiently on PC and modern consoles.


  • Previous leadership experience, including at least one shipped game title.


  • Strong experience with multithreading, performance analysis, and code optimization.


  • Ability to author, debug, and optimize production-grade C++ code.


  • Ability to make frequent, readable, and well-tested code commits.


  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical vision, share ideas and learnings, and provide meaningful feedback.


  • Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.


  • Experience mentoring engineers, growing technical talent, and developing others in areas of expertise.


Extra Points:

  • Experience in creating technologies to enable large-scale AAA-game development productions to meet performance, scope, and timeline requirements.


  • Computer science, mathematics, physics, or related degree(s).


  • Experience making games with large, open worlds.


Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.


Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $121,500.00 - $224,880.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

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