Software Engineering Manager, AI/ML (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Software Engineering Manager (AI/ML, Gamedev): Leading a team of engineers building systems, behaviors, and machine-learning-driven capabilities for agents in VALORANT, ensuring alignment with product goals. Focus on technical vision, coaching engineers, and advocating for players and developers.

Location: Must be based in Los Angeles or Mercer Island, USA

Salary: $192,500 - $269,400 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.

Company

Riot Games is dedicated to creating games and experiences that make it better to be a player, emphasizing teamwork and a mission-driven approach.

What you will do

• Manage and mentor a team of 4-8 engineers, providing feedback and performance management.
• Develop and communicate the technical vision for the team, aligning with product goals.
• Advocate for players and development customers when deciding what to build.
• Contribute to code, review technical designs, and ensure strong engineering practices.
• Foster a collaborative and challenging environment for the development team.
• Resolve conflict and respond to emergent issues.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as a hands-on Software Engineer.
• 2+ years experience directly leading an engineering team of at least 4 as an Engineering Manager and/or Engineering Lead.
• 2+ years experience developing in Unreal, Unity, or another game engine.
• 2+ years experience with game AI technologies and/or ML technologies.
• Experience writing, reading, and reviewing C++.
• Experience working in complex, large-scale game or engine codebases.

Nice to have

• Experience developing games for Xbox and PlayStation console platforms.
• Experience in Agile processes and continuous delivery.

Culture & Benefits

• Open paid time off policy and flexible work schedules.
• Medical, dental, and life insurance.
• Parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children.
• 401k with company match.
• Emphasis on work/life balance.