> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1488466-principal-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1488466-principal-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** Riot Games - **Location:** Los Angeles, CA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $229,200.0 - $319,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Game Engine, Maya, Houdini (Software), Multithreading, Data Analytics, Software Version Control - **Published:** July 29, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.riotgames.com/en/j/8078139 ## About the Role * 8+ years of professional programming experience as a rendering engineer * 2+ years experience as a technical lead * Experience working with various game engines (i.e. Unreal, Unity, etc.) * BS or equivalent experience * Familiarity working in an agile environment * Experience with multithreaded programming * Experience working on an MMO Desired Qualifications: * Familiarity with working with and extending tools like Maya * Expert in low-level optimization of C++ * Experience with asset pipelines, version control, and data-driven rendering architectures * Experience with Nanite * Experience with procedural content generation tools (i.e. Houdini, UE5 PCG, etc.) For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We will look at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this is the role for you! ## Description Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll work alongside other engineers to implement technical solutions at a company-wide scale. You'll collaborate with teams to ensure high quality and stack applicability, and provide other engineers with a clear illustration of extraordinary engineering. As a Principal Software Engineer focused on graphics on the unpublished MMO team, you are responsible for helping Riot build and deliver a brand new game! You will keep the players' experience in mind as you build rendering systems and engine features to support one of our new games. You will also work collaboratively with artists, designers, and producers to deliver genre-defining visual experiences to our players. You will also report to the Engineering Manager of the project., * Be the rendering expert of the team * Help build the engine technology that powers one of our new AAA games * Deeply understand how rendering systems are interlinked and proactively work across departments to shepherd best practices and advise on all things rendering-related * Work collaboratively with the art team to help realize the overall vision of the game * Work to monitor and increase the performance of the game client * Build, implement, and improve tools for artists across multiple platforms * Work to resolve pipeline issues and to identify areas for improvement ## Related Videos - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - "Fun and games - and all that comes with it", Back to BASIC & more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1719-wearedevelopers-live-fun-and-games-and-all-that-comes-with-it-back-to-basic-more) - [Asynchronicity and multithreading in C#](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/447-asynchronicity-and-multithreading-in-c) - [Building a fully automated escape room](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/735-building-a-fully-automated-escape-room) - [The Impact of AI on Game Development and the Industry](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100297-the-impact-of-ai-on-game-development-and-the-industry) - [Coding an Immersive Copilot using Unity / .NET and Azure OpenAI!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1204-coding-an-immersive-copilot-using-unity-net-and-azure-openai) - [Challenges and Solutions for Efficient, Large-Scale Video Analysis](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2022-challenges-and-solutions-for-efficient-large-scale-video-analysis) ## Related Articles - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [What Developers Can Learn from Indie Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/650-what-developers-can-learn-from-indie-games) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree) - [How to Answer the Interview Question: “Why Do You Want to Be a Software Engineer?”](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/392-how-to-answer-the-interview-question-why-do-you-want-to-be-a-software-engineer) - [10 Coding Games to Teach You How to Code](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/151-10-coding-games-to-teach-you-how-to-code) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)