Director of Engineering - Studio Systems

About the role

In this pivotal position, you will lead the engineering efforts for Roblox Studio, the platform that empowers millions of creators to develop immersive 3D experiences. Your focus will be on enhancing the technical foundation of the Studio, ensuring it remains a top-tier development environment. You will be responsible for overseeing the architecture, execution, and continuous improvement of core systems that support the integrated development environment (IDE) and developer workflows. This role demands a blend of technical expertise and leadership skills to navigate complex challenges and drive innovation.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Direct the technical strategy and execution of significant investments in Studio's core systems, ensuring alignment with the overall vision of Roblox.
• Lead and mentor teams focused on critical areas such as scripting, debugging, toolchain development, and architectural enhancements.
• Establish and maintain high standards for engineering quality, emphasizing performance, reliability, maintainability, and extensibility in all systems.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and managers across various teams to foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Drive cross-functional alignment and execution among Studio, Engine, Product, Design, Infrastructure, and other partner teams to ensure cohesive development efforts.
• Work closely with executive leadership to translate long-term technical strategies into actionable roadmaps and organizational plans.
• Contribute to the evolution of Studio as a premier development environment, catering to both novice creators and seasoned professionals.
• Explore and integrate AI-assisted creation workflows into Studio's core systems, enhancing the overall developer experience.

Requirements

• A minimum of 15 years of engineering experience, with a strong focus on leading large-scale, long-term technical systems.
• Demonstrated success in guiding teams through significant architectural, tooling, or platform transitions.
• Extensive background in developing developer tools, integrated development environments (IDEs), or other complex technical products.
• Profound knowledge of systems engineering, particularly with substantial experience in C++.
• Familiarity with creator tools and workflows, especially in the context of game development, 3D creation, or interactive environments.
• Proven track record of delivering reliable, high-quality systems in intricate production settings.
• Exceptional technical judgment and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and executive leadership.
• Experience with AI-assisted creation, intelligent tooling, or large language model (LLM)-powered workflows is advantageous.

Nice to have

• Experience in game development or related fields, providing insights into the needs of creators.
• Familiarity with modern software development methodologies and practices, including Agile and DevOps.
• Knowledge of cloud-based technologies and their application in enhancing development environments.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in C++ and other programming languages relevant to developer tools and IDEs.
• Strong understanding of software architecture principles and best practices.
• Familiarity with AI technologies and their integration into development workflows.
• Experience with performance optimization techniques for large-scale systems.
• Knowledge of version control systems and collaborative development tools.

Practical notes

This position is based in San Mateo, CA, and requires a hybrid work model with mandatory onsite days from Tuesday to Thursday. The salary range for this role is competitive and reflects the candidate's experience and qualifications. Roblox is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants. Candidates should be aware that the company may have limitations regarding U.S. work authorization for certain visa categories and may not support future H-1B sponsorship for this role.

Joining Roblox means becoming part of a mission-driven company that aims to connect a billion people through shared experiences. As a leader in engineering, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of human interaction and creating a safe, engaging platform for creators and players alike. If you are passionate about technology and innovation, and are ready to take on the challenge of leading a talented team, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.