About the Job
Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. We work with both new and current technology, creating innovative solutions to solve complex, large-scale challenges and deliver player value. As a Principal Software Engineer, you’...
As a Principal Software Engineer on Riot’s AI Enablement team, you are a technical force multiplier. You will embed directly with any team at Riot to accelerate their adoption of modern AI development (e.g., generative AI, LLMs, reinforcement learning). Operating as part of an elite, highly mobile strike team, you w...
Key Responsibilities
Implement and Integrate: Lead the technical execution of integrating modern AI practices into existing engines, tools, and pipelines.
Embed and Accelerate: Deploy onto partner teams across Riot to break down complex AI implementation problems, establish technical direction, and deliver scalable, highly performant solutions.
Mentorship and Handoff: Train and coach embedded team engineers through pair programming, technical reviews, and hands-on collaboration. Ensure a seamless transition of code ownership before deploying to your next assignment.
Evangelize Best Practices: Share engineering best practices, security guardrails, and performance standards for AI usage across Riot’s development ecosystem.
Build Foundations: Identify when industry-standard tools are insufficient and develop new foundations, middleware, or APIs to connect AI research with practical development.
Manage Ambiguity: Actively navigate highly complex, uncharted technical spaces, communicating trade-offs and building consensus among engineering and product leadership.
Required Skills & Abilities
BS in Computer Science (or equivalent experience) with 8-12 years of software engineering experience.
Extensive experience with systems integration, technical leadership, and early-stage software development.
Deep programming proficiency in C++ and at least one other language (e.g., Python, C#).
Shipped at least one AAA game or large-scale, high-concurrency live service product.
Proven track record of managing high ambiguity, setting technical strategy, and leading multi-month/year initiatives.
Practical experience utilizing, integrating, or building modern AI tools, APIs, or infrastructure.
Experience extending or developing within Unreal Engine (C++).
Familiarity with ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) or LLM orchestration.
Background working on shared engine technology, central tools, or platform engineering teams.
Familiarity with the Runeterra and VALORANT IPs.
For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!
