Lead Gameplay Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Engine Systems Engineer tasked with advancing core technology that powers Diablo, including streaming, asset loading, job scheduling, performance systems, platform support, and key runtime systems across audio, physics, UI, VFX, and more.

The role balances hands‑on technical contribution with team leadership, helping deliver scalable engine technology that supports both current and future Diablo experiences.

This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on‑site days. Primary studio locations are Irvine, CA or Albany, NY.

• Manage, evaluate, and mentor the engineering staff of the engine core team.
• Act as the primary point of contact for required engine functionality, collaborating with multi‑disciplinary stakeholders and project leadership to define and execute project requirements.
• Partner with production staff and the rest of the leadership team for milestone planning and tracking development progress.
• Author and maintain technical design documents that outline key project architectural decisions, features, milestones, and technical risks.
• Provide engine‑based guidance and define best practices that empower designers, artists, and gameplay engineers to deliver the vision of the game.
• Partner in driving processes and tooling necessary to ensure the game runs smoothly and efficiently across multiple hardware platforms of varying capabilities.

• 8+ years of experience in game development engineering.
• Experience working in proprietary C++ engines, Unreal Engine, or similar AAA game engine environments.
• Experience tuning engine systems to run efficiently on PC and modern consoles.
• Previous leadership experience, including at least one shipped game title.
• Strong experience with multithreading, performance analysis, and code optimization.
• Ability to author, debug, and optimize production‑grade C++ code.
• Ability to make frequent, readable, and well‑tested code commits.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical vision.
• Excellent problem‑solving and debugging skills.
• Experience mentoring engineers, growing technical talent, and developing others.

• Experience creating technologies to enable large‑scale AAA‑game development productions.
• Computer science, mathematics, physics, or related degree(s).
• Experience making games with large, open worlds.

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well‑being. Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part‑time and temporary full‑time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $121,500.00 - $224,880.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com.