Principal Engineer

2K; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 163,400 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program

Job summary

A global video game publisher in California is looking for a visionary technical leader to head the core technology group. In this critical role, you will define the scalable technical strategy, drive engineering excellence, and mentor senior engineers. Candidates should have over 10 years in software engineering with deep expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine, along with a proven track record of shipping complex products. The compensation ranges from $163,400 to $240,000 annually, with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in software engineering, with 5+ years in a Principal or Architect role.
• Expert-level knowledge in C++ and Unreal Engine architecture.
• Experience in shipping complex products with maintainable architectures.

Responsibilities

• Define long-term technical roadmap and architectural strategy.
• Drive technical governance and manage performance budgets.
• Mentor senior engineers and foster a culture of technical rigor.

Skills

C++

Unreal Engine architecture

High-performance computing

Strategic communication

Problem-solving

Innovation focused

Job description

Who We Are

2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world‑class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role‑playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.

Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K, renowned BioShock®️, Borderlands®️, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises, TopSpin 2K25, as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K

At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role. If you’re interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!

What We Need

A visionary technical authority to lead the core technology group. You will define a scalable technical strategy, drive engineering excellence across multiple senior teams, and serve as the chief mentor and architect for R&D efforts.

What You’ll Do

• Define Architectural Strategy: Set the long‑term technical roadmap, engineering standards, and core technology adoption (engine, backend, rendering).
• Drive Technical Governance: Act as the final authority on critical design decisions, establish quality gates, and manage performance budgets.
• Lead Hands‑On Innovation: Prototype foundational systems, perform high‑level code reviews, and solve high‑risk architectural challenges.
• Mentor Senior Talent: Coach Principal Engineers and Tech Leads to foster a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate technical debt, performance bottlenecks, and architectural risks across the development lifecycle.
• Cross‑Disciplinary Partnership: Align technical architecture with creative, production, and business objectives.

What Will Make You a Great Fit

• Industry Veteran: 10+ years in software engineering, with 5+ years in a Principal or Architect role (AAA gaming or high‑scale systems preferred).
• Deep Expertise: Expert‑level C++, Unreal Engine architecture, and high‑performance computing.
• Proven Track Record: Success in shipping multiple complex products with stable, maintainable architectures.
• Strategic Communicator: Ability to translate complex technical concepts for both engineers and executive leadership.
• Pragmatic Problem Solver: Balanced approach to solving immediate production needs while maintaining long‑term architectural health.
• Innovation Focused: A passion for replacing legacy workflows with scalable, R&D‑driven solutions.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $163,400 and $240,000 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full‑time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness‑related expenses.