Principal Engineer/ Chief Software Architect (Hybrid)

Big Viking; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the gaming industry seeks a Principal Engineer / Chief Software Architect in Toronto to spearhead the advancement of their core platforms and technology architecture, with an emphasis on AI solutions and scalable infrastructure. This leadership role demands extensive software engineering experience and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the evolution of innovative gaming solutions.

Benefits

Continuous learning budget

Group Retirement Savings Plan matching

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous time off policies

Annual compensation adjustments

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software engineering experience, including 3+ years in a principal/architect role.
• Expertise in modern languages (Go, Python, TypeScript).
• Proven track record of designing scalable systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect and evolve scalable, distributed backend systems.
• Lead design and deployment of AI features across tools and experiences.
• Guide engineers on architecture, best practices, and design patterns.

Skills

Software engineering

AI/ML-driven features

Systems architecture

Cloud-native systems

Machine learning

Communication

Tools

AWS

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Important

This a full-time, hybrid role for Ontario-based employees only. The successful candidate will be required to work from our Toronto office ( Queens Quay West) for a minimum of 3 days per week.

A Little About Us

Making fans - That’s what we’re all about! Since our humble beginnings in 2011, these two words have driven Big Viking Games to become the successful company it is today. We are focused on making our mark as a next-generation, live operations games company.

We believe that each Viking is unique and brings exponential value to the company. In return, we provide Vikings with the opportunity to solve problems through continuous learning and fostering feedback, ultimately mastering their craft. By investing in our Vikings and in new technologies, we can continue our success for years to come.

About The Role

We’re looking for an accomplished Principal Engineer / Chief Software Architect to drive the evolution of our core platforms and technology architecture. This Ontario-based leadership role reports to the CTO and will be pivotal in shaping the systems that power our products, with a strong emphasis on AI solution design, systems architecture, and scalable infrastructure.

What You’ll Do

• Architect and evolve scalable, distributed backend systems to support our growing product portfolio.
• Lead the design and deployment of AI/ML-driven features across our tools and player experiences.
• Develop technical strategies that align engineering initiatives with business goals.
• Guide engineers on architecture, best practices, and design patterns.
• Contribute hands-on to prototypes and mission-critical system components.
• Drive the evolution of our DevOps, observability, and system reliability practices.
• Act as a cross-functional bridge between data science, product, and engineering.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks in performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Own and evolve frameworks for security, compliance, and privacy-by-design.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, mentorship, and continuous learning.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of software engineering experience, including 3+ years in a principal or architectural role.
• Proven track record of designing scalable cloud-native systems (AWS, GCP, or similar).
• Deep understanding of system design principles, event-driven architecture, and service orchestration.
• Expertise in deploying machine learning models and building AI-powered systems at scale.
• Strong proficiency in modern languages such as Go, Python, or TypeScript.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration, e.g., Docker and Kubernetes.
• A security-first mindset and experience embedding security practices into design.
• A collaborative approach and ability to lead through influence.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complex problems into practical solutions.

What We Offer

• A high-impact leadership opportunity in a fast-paced, live operations environment.
• Continuous learning budget and opportunities for upskilling in AI and emerging tech.
• Open culture that values creativity, accountability, and experimentation.
• Group Retirement Savings Plan matching & participation.
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, and vision).
• Generous time off policies.
• Annual compensation adjustments (salary increases and/or bonuses) based on personal and company performance.

Accommodations

Big Viking Games is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. We welcome applications from individuals of all abilities and will provide accommodations throughout the hiring process as needed. If you require any accommodations, please email [e-mail] so we can work with you to support your needs.