Principal Engineer

Firaxis Games LLC

Job Overview

Location

Sparks Glencoe, Maryland, United States

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Join Firaxis Games, a renowned studio celebrated for its critically acclaimed strategy titles, as a Principal Engineer and become an integral part of our mission to craft unforgettable gaming experiences.
• We are seeking a highly motivated and technically adept Principal Engineer with a profound expertise in Unreal Engine to guide and inspire our development team.
• This pivotal role demands an engineer with a robust foundation in software development, a passion for tackling diverse and challenging problems, and a deep understanding of game development pipelines.
• As a domain expert in Unreal Tech, you will be instrumental in shaping the technical direction and implementation of our projects, ensuring we leverage the engine's full potential.
• We are looking for individuals who possess an innate passion for teaching, sharing knowledge, and mentoring fellow team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
• Firaxis operates within a highly collaborative and iterative environment, where open communication and teamwork are paramount to success.
• The ideal candidate will exhibit exceptional ability to communicate easily and effectively with a cross-functional team, including fellow coders, talented designers, and skilled artists, translating complex technical concepts into actionable plans.
• You will consult closely with various departments to gain a comprehensive understanding of project goals, intricate requirements, and desired outcomes, ensuring technical solutions align perfectly with creative vision.
• Provide expert technical direction and insightful advice on architectural decisions, system design, and workflow optimization, with a specific focus on ensuring seamless and efficient Unreal Engine 5 integration.
• Champion and set exceptionally high standards for code quality, performance optimization, and long-term maintainability, ensuring our codebase is robust, scalable, and future-proof.
• Actively assist the team in resolving complex technical issues, providing hands-on support and guidance to overcome challenging Unreal Engine-related obstacles.
• Design, implement, and meticulously refine modifications, reorganizations, extensions, and optimizations to our existing codebase, enhancing its efficiency and capabilities.
• Proactively maintain and elevate your skill-set and knowledge base by diligently tracking the latest innovations, trends, and best practices emerging from the gaming industry and Unreal Engine community.
• Lead and drive performance optimization efforts across multiple target platforms, ensuring our games run flawlessly and deliver exceptional player experiences on a wide range of hardware.
• Contribute to the architectural design and implementation of core engine systems, gameplay features, and supporting tools, ensuring scalability and performance.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, providing guidance on best practices, problem-solving techniques, and career development within the studio.
• Collaborate with QA and other disciplines to identify, diagnose, and resolve bugs and performance bottlenecks, ensuring the highest level of product quality.
• Participate in code reviews, offering constructive feedback and ensuring adherence to coding standards and architectural guidelines.
• Stay abreast of new Unreal Engine features and updates, evaluating their potential impact and integration into our development pipeline.
• Contribute to the development of technical documentation, best practices guides, and internal training materials to empower the wider engineering team.
• Embrace the iterative nature of game development, adapting to changing requirements and providing flexible, robust technical solutions.
• Your contributions will directly impact the quality, performance, and innovation of our award-winning titles, shaping the future of strategy gaming.

🎯 Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of professional engineering experience specifically utilizing Unreal Engine.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or mentoring capacity within a software development team.
• Possess a broad and deep understanding of Unreal Engine's internal architecture and systems.
• Exceptional C++ programming proficiency, with a strong command of modern C++ standards.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and optimize complex systems, including experience with multi-threading, templates, and performance tuning.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills, with a methodical approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentoring skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated, with a genuine passion for video games and a drive to contribute to their creation.
• Experience with multiple programming languages, frameworks, and tools is considered a significant plus.

🏖️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and workshops.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• Access to Firaxis's state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology.
• A collaborative and creative work environment with a team of passionate game developers.
• The chance to work on industry-leading, critically acclaimed game franchises.

Skills & Technologies

Senior

Remote

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Firaxis Games LLC

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About Firaxis Games LLC

Firaxis Games LLC is a Hunt Valley, Maryland-based video game development studio founded in 1996 by Sid Meier, Brian Reynolds, and Jeff Briggs. The company specializes in turn-based strategy and 4X games, notably the Civilization and XCOM series. Owned by Take-Two Interactive, Firaxis employs around 300 staff who design, develop, and maintain PC and console titles that emphasize deep strategic gameplay, historical simulation, and mod support. The studio operates proprietary engines and regularly updates its franchises with expansions, patches, and community-focused features.

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