Principal C++ Engineer - Game Engine Data | Roblox NEW

The Briefed; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 295,000 - 345,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite meals and campus facilities

Equity package

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Job summary

Roblox seeks a Principal Software Engineer for the Game Engine Data Model team in San Mateo. You will architect core data structures that power the Roblox platform and bridge engine capabilities to creators, covering rendering, scripting, networking, and physics across desktop, mobile, and consoles.

The role emphasizes leadership, advanced C++ expertise, and end-to-end project ownership, with a strong focus on automated testing and performance optimization across a large-scale real-time system.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on experience with C++ and systems-level programming.
• Deep understanding of CPU execution mechanics and low-level optimization.
• Bachelor or Master in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• Proven reliability and quality mindset with automated testing focus.

Responsibilities

• Define architecture and technical direction for the Game Engine Data Model.
• Develop engine data-model framework and high-performance interfaces across components.
• Mentor engineers and promote best practices in C++ and testing.
• Own end-to-end lifecycle of data model projects from design to deployment.

Skills

C++ mastery

ASTs

Code generation

Performance optimization

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS

Tools

libclang

Job description

As Principal Software Engineer of the Game Engine Data Model team, you will innovate on the core data structures that form the foundation of Roblox’s platform. In this top-tier technical leadership role, you will design and build one of the core technologies that powers the Roblox game engine. The Data Model framework provides the vital interface between engine capabilities and creators, serving as the core fabric connecting networking, scripting (Luau), Studio, rendering, and physics across all supported platforms—from desktop and mobile to console clients.

Key Responsibilities

Engine Architecture & Data Model Framework

• Core Architecture & Technical Direction: Establish the foundational architecture, technical vision, and execution strategy for the Game Engine Data Model team.
• Engine Performance & Systems Coding: Develop systems-level engine code engineered to perform optimally across all user-created games on the Roblox platform.
• Cross-Platform Execution: Build, optimize, and maintain engine capabilities running seamlessly across desktop clients, mobile phone clients, and console systems.
• Cross-Functional System Integration: Collaborate cross-functionally across engine teams (Networking, Scripting, Rendering, Physics, and Studio) to deliver high-performance framework interfaces.

Engineering Excellence & Technical Leadership

• Mentorship & Best Practices: Lead by example and mentor engineers across the organization, driving adoption of advanced C++ patterns, technological best practices, and low-level optimization strategies.
• Automated Testing & Quality: Elevate product stability and performance by championing rigorous automated testing frameworks and handling complex failure modes.
• Full-Lifecycle Ownership: Take complete end-to-end technical ownership of data model projects throughout their architectural evolution and operational deployment.

Requirements

Technical Depth & C++ Systems Mastery

• Experience Track: 8+ years of hands-on experience and deep expertise with C++ code-generation and analysis tools (e.g., libclang, Abstract Syntax Trees / ASTs).
• Systems-Level C++ Mastery: Outstanding, low-level C++ programming skills paired with deep curiosity and understanding of CPU execution mechanics (smart pointer overhead, template expansion, vtables/virtual function calls, structured vs. raw memory allocation).
• Education: Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
• Reliability & Quality Mindset: Proven track record of building performant, long-lasting systems with meticulous attention to failure cases and automated testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on familiarity with modern commercial game engines or other large-scale real-time simulations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven track record of influencing cross-functional engineering teams.
• Passion for staying ahead of language standards and modern C++ technical developments.

Total Rewards & Benefits

• Compensation & Equity: San Mateo base salary range ($295,250 – $345,040 USD) + competitive Roblox equity compensation package.
• Healthcare & Wellbeing: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance packages for employees and eligible dependents.
• Onsite Perks & Campus: Modern San Mateo headquarters featuring daily catered meals, team events, and state-of-the-art technical setups.
• Time Off & Retirement: Generous vacation policies, paid company holidays, paid parental leave, and 401(k) matching programs.