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Game Server Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Senior Multiplayer Engineer(C++)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122.50K - $167.90K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our clients online Mobile MMO that has also ... Create and maintain high volume C++ game server systems to sync player state in a reliable, secure ...

Visual Concepts

Senior Engineer, Server - NBA 2K

Visual Concepts is one of the world's top game development studios, known for its critical acclaim ... They are seeking a Senior Engineer to join the NBA 2K team, focusing on server-side development to ...

New

DevSelect

Game Solution Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Title: Game Solution Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-Term Contract Provide ... Experience developing server based systems. * Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both ...

DevSelect

Game Solution Engineer

Seattle, WA

Title: Game Solution Engineer Location: Seattle, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-Term Contract Provide ... Experience developing server based systems. * Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both ...

Roblox

Senior Software Engineer - Matchmaking

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$242.10K - $293.80K/yr

You'll impact Roblox's matchmaking decisions by helping to select the best game server possible for ... Knowledge of systems engineering is a plus. * A Computer-Science graduate or MS graduate. * 4+ ...

Roblox

Principal Engineer - Creator Services

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$153.80K - $206.20K/yr

To give some examples of what we do, we run the mission-critical Cross-server Messaging Service, which is crucial for Roblox game developers to implement leaderboards, cross-server announcements ...

ZeniMax Media

Senior Server Programmer

Rockville, MD · On-site

Bethesda Game Studios strives to offer its employees a well-balanced home and work life by ... Server Programmer , you will... * Implement, guide, and review client/server/engine tech for ...

Rushdown Studios

General Interest - Backend Engineer

$90K - $135K/yr

We believe that when talented developers are consistently challenged and given clear ownership of ... Familiarity with game server scaling and orchestration frameworks. * Experience with PlayFab, Epic ...

Rushdown Studios

General Interest - Backend Engineer

OR · On-site +1

$90K - $135K/yr

We believe that when talented developers are consistently challenged and given clear ownership of ... Familiarity with game server scaling and orchestration frameworks. * Experience with PlayFab, Epic ...

Roblox

Principal Engineer - Creator Services

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$293.80K - $343.34K/yr

To give some examples of what we do, we run the mission-critical Cross-server Messaging Service, which is crucial for Roblox game developers to implement leaderboards, cross-server announcements ...

Onebrief, Inc

Game Play Engineer, Battle Road

$150K - $185K/yr

Design gameplay features with a practical understanding of where logic lives (client vs server ... engineering experience, with experience both shipping and supporting live service games

Apple

Software Engineer, Apple Game Services

Seattle, WA

$139.50K - $258.10K/yr

Want to make building great games easier than ever for game developers, providing their games with ... client-server application development Experience working on applications that power end user ...

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All JobsGame Server Engineer Jobs

Game Server Engineer information

See salary details

$47.5K

$101.7K

$146K

How much do game server engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for game server engineer in the United States is $101,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Server Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Server Engineer, you need strong programming skills—typically in languages like C++, C#, or Java—along with a solid understanding of network protocols and real-time multiplayer systems, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), database management, version control systems, and experience with game engines or dedicated server frameworks are common technical requirements. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you efficiently diagnose issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for building scalable, reliable, and engaging online gaming experiences.

How does a Game Server Engineer typically collaborate with game designers and client developers during the development process?

Game Server Engineers work closely with both game designers and client developers to ensure seamless integration between server-side logic and client-side gameplay. They regularly participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss game mechanics, network protocols, and synchronization requirements. Effective communication with designers helps translate gameplay ideas into robust server features, while collaboration with client developers ensures data consistency and smooth player experiences. This teamwork is crucial for maintaining game stability and delivering new features efficiently.

What are Game Server Engineers?

Game Server Engineers are specialized software developers responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the backend infrastructure that powers multiplayer and online features in video games. They work on server-side logic, networking, scalability, and security to ensure smooth gameplay experiences for players worldwide. Their role often involves collaborating with game developers, network engineers, and QA teams to implement features like matchmaking, leaderboards, and real-time multiplayer interactions. Game Server Engineers are crucial for ensuring stability, low latency, and the ability to handle large numbers of concurrent users.

What is the difference between Game Server Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectGame Server EngineerNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, networking, or related field; experience with server management and game protocolsBachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related; certifications like CCNA or CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, online gaming companies, cloud serversIT departments, telecom companies, data centers
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming and entertainmentBroad across IT, telecommunications, and enterprise networks
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve network infrastructure, a Game Server Engineer specializes in designing, maintaining, and optimizing servers specifically for online gaming platforms. In contrast, a Network Engineer manages broader network systems across various industries. The roles share similar credentials and work environments but focus on different end-user applications and network types.

More about Game Server Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Server Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Game Server Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Game Server Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Server Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Server Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Server Engineer jobs are:
Game Server Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Server Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,706 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Senior Manager, Software Engineering, Build Services - VALORANT

Senior Manager, Software Engineering, Build Services - VALORANT

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in many broader domains. As a Senior Engineering Manager, you will gain organizational alignment by building a strong engineering vision and offering creative solutions to organizational design. You'll also serve as a mentor for a team of engineers and managers, overseeing performance management, growth opportunities, and accountability.
VALORANT is Riot's take on a character-based tactical shooter (for more info on VALORANT click here !). As a Senior Manager, Software Engineering (Build, Release, Operate) in VALORANT's Foundations area, you will lead multiple teams of engineers responsible for improving how VALORANT builds, delivers, and operates its live service game. Your responsibility will include the pipelines used to build and deliver the Unreal game client, Unreal game server, and game services platform globally, including to China. You will drive improvements to services development and observability, enabling teams to better own and continuously improve the reliability and operability of the services they own. In addition to teams across VALORANT, you will partner closely with teams across Riot and Tencent to reduce friction, ensure operational excellence, and ensure an amazing player experience. You will report to the Director of Engineering for the VALORANT Foundations area.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and support a team of 15-20 engineers and engineering managers across Los Angeles, Seattle, and Sydney, consisting of both individual contributors and people managers.
  • Oversee a combination of direct and dotted-line reports, working closely with a Senior Manager in Sydney to ensure alignment for shared responsibilities.
  • Partner with discipline and product leadership to shape product vision and define the technical direction that improves how VALORANT builds and delivers its Unreal game client, Unreal game server, and game services platform, and how it operates them continuously at global scale.
  • Collaborate effectively with geo-distributed teams across Riot and Tencent, adjusting schedules as needed to accommodate time zones.
  • Serve as a hands-on engineering leader, actively contributing across all phases of the product lifecycle, including implementation.
  • Raise technical standards and refine processes to drive more effective product delivery and operations.
  • Champion and model Riot's values, setting the tone for your team and peers.
  • Contribute to the team's support rotation.

Required Qualifications:
  • 6+ years professional experience as a software engineer working in services development roles.
  • 4+ years as an Engineering Manager leading engineers and engineering managers.
  • Professional experience driving technical direction and influencing architecture at team of teams scale.
  • Expertise with C#, Java, Golang, or similar language(s).
  • Professional experience with Lean or Agile development processes (Scrum, Kanban, etc).
  • Professional experience working with cloud computing and cloud technologies.
  • Professional experience building large-scale backend systems or game services.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Professional or academic experience working with C++.
  • Professional experience working in a leadership role in a multi-geo organization.

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 the experiences of players, this could be the role for you!
Our Perks:
Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first . That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
  • (Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $229,200.00 - $319,500.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
  • (Mercer Island only) Base salary range between $229,200.00 - $319,500.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
Riot Games logo

About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

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