Server Engineer - NBA 2K

2K; California; On-site; USD 103,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Medical benefits

Job summary

Visual Concepts in Irvine, California seeks an Engineer focused on server-side development to join the NBA 2K team. You will own backend architecture, design distributed systems, and build high-performance services powering online features for a leading sports game franchise.

You will work with C++, Python/JavaScript, and SQL databases to optimize latency, scale, and reliability, collaborating with engineering and design for seamless online gameplay.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in software development with backend focus.
• Strong C++ and OO design fundamentals.
• Experience with distributed, real-time systems and databases.

Responsibilities

• Work in backend architecture and services supporting online features.
• Design and optimize distributed systems for scalability and reliability.
• Build and maintain large-scale computing solutions for millions of players.
• Develop efficient database structures and queries for real-time transactions.
• Deliver high-performance backend services with low latency and stability.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams for seamless gameplay.

Skills

Backend development

C++

Python

Distributed systems

Multithreading

Research & tech eval

BS in CS or equivalent

Education

BS in Computer Science

Tools

MySQL

PostgreSQL

SQL databases

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 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:

• 3+ 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!)

The pay range for this position in Irvine, California at the start of employment is expected to be between $102,900 and $137,200 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.

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