Principal Software Engineer, Media Services

Epic Games; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health coverage for employees and dependents

Unlimited PTO and sick time

Paid sabbatical after 7 years

Free therapy and coaching services

Job summary

Epic Games is looking for a Principal Software Programmer to lead the technical direction of WebRTC-based products. The role involves designing and implementing features for real-time voice communication across Fortnite and other services. Ideal candidates are highly proficient in C++, have a deep understanding of WebRTC, and possess strong communication skills. Epic offers competitive benefits including full health coverage, unlimited PTO, and a robust well-being program. Join us in Cary, North Carolina, to be a part of something Epic!

Qualifications

• Highly proficient in C++ with a strong command of performance-critical systems.
• Deep understanding of WebRTC signalling concepts, protocols, and architecture.
• Proven experience debugging and optimizing WebRTC stacks at scale.
• Experience designing and maintaining C APIs for broad platform distribution.
• Familiarity with build systems like GN and Ninja.
• Demonstrated ability to independently own and deliver complex engineering projects.
• Strong communication skills with a track record of cross-team alignment.

Responsibilities

• Work on WebRTC integration across different Epic Games teams.
• Design and implement new features for the WebRTC client and server stack.
• Investigate and evaluate new technologies for real-time communication.
• Drive timelines and resolve technical blockers independently.

Skills

C++

WebRTC signalling concepts

Debugging and optimizing WebRTC stacks

C APIs design

Build systems like GN and Ninja

Leadership

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?

At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.

Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.

ENGINEERING - UNREAL ENGINE

What We Do

Unreal-powered projects have been on the bleeding edge of real-time entertainment for over 20 years. Our team of engineering experts are always innovating to improve the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.

What You'll Do

As a Principal Software Programmer of the Media Services team, you'll provide technical leadership for the platform powering real-time voice communication across Fortnite and the Epic Games ecosystem at massive scale. You'll help set the technical direction for Epic's WebRTC-based products and implement features from design through final delivery.

In this role, you will

• Work on the WebRTC integration across different Epic Games teams, design and hands‑on implementation of new features
• Architect, develop, and continuously improve our WebRTC client and server stack across platforms
• Investigate and evaluate new technologies to drive innovation in real‑time communication services
• Drive timelines, resolve technical blockers, and deliver with a high degree of autonomy

What we're looking for

• Highly proficient in C++, with a strong command of performance‑critical systems
• Deep understanding of WebRTC signalling concepts, protocols, and architecture
• Proven experience in debugging and optimizing WebRTC stacks at scale
• Experience designing and maintaining C APIs for broad platform distribution
• Familiarity with build systems like GN and Ninja
• Demonstrated ability to independently own and deliver complex, long‑horizon engineering projects
• Strong communication with a track record of cross‑team alignment and technical decision‑making
• Leadership experience is a plus

EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE

Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well‑being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company‑wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.

ABOUT US

Epic Games spans across 25 countries with 46 studios and 4,500+ employees globally. For over 25 years, we've been making award‑winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award‑winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high‑fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world‑class talent.

Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!

Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.