Senior Server Engineer

Visual Concepts; Irvine (CA); Remote; USD 131,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Visual Concepts seeks a Senior Engineer to own backend server-side development for NBA 2K. Join a team building distributed, low-latency services and scalable data systems powering one of the world’s leading sports franchises.

The role emphasizes high-performance backend work, real-time transactions, and collaboration with design and engineering partners to deliver seamless online experiences.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional software development experience with backend/server-side focus.
• Proficiency in C++ with solid OO design principles.
• Scripting experience in Python and JavaScript (or Perl/Ruby) is preferred.
• Understanding of distributed and scalable systems.
• Experience with multithreaded programming in real-time environments.
• BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• Experience with secure transaction systems (virtual currency/accounts) is a plus.
• Database optimization including connection management and query tuning.
• Familiarity with online gaming architectures for live, connected play.
• SQL databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL.
• Video game console development experience is a bonus.
• Passion for video games.

Responsibilities

• Work in the backend architecture and services supporting NBA 2K online features.
• Design and optimize distributed systems for scalability, reliability, and fault-tolerance.
• Build and maintain large-scale computing solutions that handle millions of concurrent players.
• Develop efficient database structures and queries to support high-volume, real-time transactions.
• Deliver high-performance backend services with low latency and stability.
• Partner with engineering and design teams to enable seamless online gameplay experiences.

Skills

Backend development

C++

Distributed systems

Multithreading

Python/JS scripting

Research & evaluation

Secure transactions

Database optimization

Live online gaming

OO principles

Education

BS in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Job description

At Visual Concepts, we believe great games are made by diverse and empowered teams with a shared passion for play. As one of the world’s top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to critical acclaim and commercial success. Our teams are independent and ambitious. Our studios in Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul and Parksville, Canada are committed to artistry and ground breaking technology, offering top candidates the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the hardest working and most creative minds in the industry.

What We Need:

We’re seeking a Senior Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join the NBA 2K team! In this role, you’ll take ownership across a broad technical landscape- working in distributed systems, large-scale computing, and efficient databases to build high-performance backend services. Your work will play a key role in delivering world-class online experiences that power one of the most popular sports game franchises in the world. This role reports into Lead Director of Programming.

What You Will Do:

• Work in the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K’s online features
• Design and optimize distributed systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance
• Build and maintain large-scale computing solutions that handle millions of concurrent players
• Develop efficient database structures and queries to support high-volume, real-time transactions
• Deliver high-performance backend services with a focus on low latency and stability
• Partner with engineering and design teams to enable seamless online gameplay experiences.

Who Will Be A Great Fit:

• 5+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend and server-side systems
• Strong proficiency in C++ with a solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles
• Proficiency in one or more scripting languages such as Python, javascript/typescript, Perl, or Ruby, with a strong preference for Python and javascript.
• Understanding of distributed and scalable systems
• Proven experience with multithreaded programming, driving efficiency and stability across large-scale, real-time environments
• Demonstrated ability to research, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and trends to enhance team capabilities, platform performance, and product innovation
• BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience in large-scale software development
• Experience developing secure transaction systems, including virtual currency and account-based features, a strong plus
• Skilled in database optimization, including connection management and query performance tuning
• Familiarity with online gaming architectures and service design for live, connected player experiences
• Working knowledge of SQL databases such as MySQL, PostgresSQL, or similar systems
• Video game console development experience is highly beneficial
• Love for video games (not just ours!)

US (All States except for WA)

The pay range for this position in California Remote at the start of employment is expected to be between $130,700 and $174,300 per year. The pay range for this position in New York Remote at the start of employment is expected to be between $117,700 and $157,00 per year. The pay range for this position in New Jersey Remote at the start of employment is expected to be between $117,700 and $157,000 per year. The pay range for this position in Maryland Remote at the start of employment is expected to be between $117,700 and $157,000 per year. The pay range for this position in Colorado Remote at the start of employment is expected to be between $117,000 and $157,000 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 employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

US (Washington State)

The pay range for this position in Washington Remote at the start of employment is expected to be between $130,700 and $174,300 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. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Canada

The pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between $115,700 CAD and $154,300 CAD 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 employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

To learn more about Visual Concepts and our studio locations, check out our website at www.vcentertainment.com