Software Engineer, Engine Systems

BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with Company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Mental health & wellbeing programs

Job summary

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. is seeking an Engine Systems Engineer for Diablo to advance core engine infrastructure and runtime systems.

You will work with designers and engineers to deliver stable, high‑fidelity gameplay across multiple platforms, focusing on performance, content delivery, and cross‑team collaboration. The role supports a flexible hybrid schedule with on‑site and remote days at Blizzard’s Irvine, CA studio and other locations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience in real-time or game development environments.
• Strong focus on modern C++ with memory management knowledge.
• Understanding of core data structures and concurrency challenges.
• Experience with multithreaded programming and performance optimization.
• Excellent communication with designers, artists, and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain core engine features.
• Improve engine workflows and pipelines for content creation.
• Ensure stability across platforms by diagnosing issues and fixing bugs.
• Advance engine performance through tuning, scalability work, and platform optimization.

Skills

Modern C++

Memory management

Multithreading

Data structures

Communication

Tools

Python

Lua

Job description

Team Name: Diablo Job Title: Software Engineer, Engine Systems Requisition ID: R027570 Job Description: Job Description We Need You The minions of hell are growing stronger… Join us as we continue to shape the Diablo universe! Diablo games are action RPG experiences with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot. Come work with us, and together we’ll create something amazing. Our team of passionate developers is growing. We are seeking an Engine Systems Engineer to assist in the creation of new ARPG experiences within one of Blizzard’s most iconic worlds, Diablo. In this role, you will help advance the core technology that powers our game by improving foundational engine infrastructure (streaming, asset loading, performance systems, and platform support) as well as core runtime systems such as animation, VFX, physics, and audio. You’ll also ensure smooth, stable gameplay experiences through thoughtful performance optimization, efficient content delivery, and robust multi‑platform integration. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with cross‑disciplinary partners to support both creative and technical goals, leverage platform SDKs, and solve complex challenges that bring immersive, high‑fidelity gameplay to life across a wide range of hardware. This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on‑site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you’re also welcome to work on‑site full‑time if you prefer. Our primary studio locations are in Albany, NY, and Irvine, CA.

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain core engine features by collaborating closely with designers, artists, and fellow engineers to support both creative and technical goals.
• Improve engine workflows and pipelines by identifying bottlenecks, simplifying processes, and enabling teams to build content more efficiently.
• Ensure client and runtime stability across multiple platforms by diagnosing complex issues, fixing bugs, and strengthening system reliability.
• Advance the game engine through performance tuning, scalability work, and platform‑specific optimization to support long‑term growth of the project.

Minimum Requirements:

• 5+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a strong focus on modern C++ in real‑time or game development environments.
• Deep understanding of memory management, performance considerations, and software architecture.
• Strong grasp of core data structures and practical insight into when and how to use them effectively.
• Demonstrated experience optimizing both code and data layouts for performance and memory efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort working closely with designers, artists, producers, and other engineers.
• Hands‑on experience with multithreaded programming and a solid understanding of concurrency challenges.

Bonus Points:

• Background in developing or optimizing games for console platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch).
• Experience with C# or experience working with C#-based tools or systems.
• Familiarity withPython,Lua,orsimilar scripting languages.
• Ability to discuss or share examples of C++ work, such as custom engines, renderers, compilers, embedded systems, or similar projects (professional, academic, or personal).

Your Platform Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world’s largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet! Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment.

Rewards

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $37.26 - $68.93 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to [e-mail]. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here.