[2026] Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Engine Optimization - PhD Early Career

Roblox; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 192,890 - 238,520; Full time

Job summary

A leading gaming platform is seeking experts in machine learning to enhance real-time optimization and user experience. Candidates will define ML strategies for resource management and solve complex challenges in a dynamic environment. Proficiency in languages like C++, Python, and a solid grasp of systems-level concepts are essential. The role is pivotal in shaping how millions of users engage with the platform, emphasizing low-latency solutions. Join a team committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Qualifications

• Expertise in reinforcement learning for control systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages like C++, Python, Go, or Java.
• Strong understanding of low-latency, systems-level concepts.
• Experience integrating AI/ML into core engineering products.

Responsibilities

• Analyze massive-scale engine performance and user engagement telemetry.
• Design and implement machine learning models for real-time resource management.
• Develop adaptive control systems using ML outputs.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate ML solutions.
• Define the architectural roadmap for ML infrastructure.

Skills

Applied machine learning

Reinforcement learning

Predictive modeling

Real-time optimization

C++

Python

Go

Java

Job description

Overview

Every day, tens of millions of people come to Roblox to explore, create, play, learn, and with friends in 3D immersive digital experiences– all created by our global community of developers and creators.

At Roblox, we’re building the tools and platform that empower our community to bring any experience that they can imagine to life. Our vision is to reimagine the way people come together, from anywhere in the world, and on any device. We’re on a mission to connect a billion people with optimism and civility, and looking for amazing talent to help us get there.

A career at Roblox means you’ll be working to shape the future of human interaction, solving unique technical challenges at scale, and helping to create safer, more civil shared experiences for everyone.

Harmony

Harmony is the critical subsystem responsible for ensuring a stable, enjoyable, and interactive experience for Roblox users across all devices. By intelligently orchestrating and adjusting presentation quality from high‑fidelity rendering down to basic interaction. This role offers a unique opportunity to pioneer the application of machine learning to real‑time, low‑latency systems optimization.

You will define the ML strategy for resource management within the engine, moving beyond traditional heuristics to build adaptive systems. You will solve complex, high‑stakes resource allocation and quality scaling problems across memory, CPU/GPU compute, battery life, and network bandwidth. We aim to leverage predictive modeling and optimization techniques to handle highly dynamic content and opaque resource signals from the OS, transforming the stability and quality of the global Roblox experience.

You Will

• Analyze massive‑scale engine performance and user engagement telemetry to drive the team’s strategic roadmap, using data insights to prioritize high‑impact optimization targets
• Design and implement machine learning models to predict and manage critical engine resource constraints in real time.
• Develop adaptive control systems that use ML outputs to dynamically adjust engine fidelity parameters, maximizing user experience while maintaining stability and low latency.
• Collaborate with core engine and performance engineering teams to integrate ML solutions directly into the critical path of gameplay across multiple platforms.
• Define the architectural roadmap for introducing and scaling ML infrastructure within the Harmony subsystem, ensuring reliable operation at massive scale.

You Have

• Expertise in one or more areas of applied machine learning: reinforcement learning (RL) for control systems, resource scheduling, predictive modeling (especially time‑series analysis for resource usage), or real‑time optimization.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., C++, Python, Go, Java) and experience designing, building, and deploying ML models in a performance‑critical environment.
• A strong understanding of low‑latency, systems‑level concepts (e.g., memory management, threading, operating system signals) is a significant advantage.
• A track record of solving complex optimization problems or experience integrating AI/ML into core engineering products, preferably in gaming or mobile environments.

Annual Salary Range

$192,890 — $238,520 USD

Apply now to be considered for anticipated positions.

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Roblox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Roblox also provides reasonable accommodations to candidates with qualifying disabilities or religious beliefs during the recruiting process.