Principal Engineer, Studio Builder Tools

About the role

Roblox is seeking a Principal Engineer to join the Builder Tools team, where you will shape the future of Roblox Studio, the collaborative integrated development environment used by creators worldwide to build immersive 3D experiences. This senior technical leadership position focuses on designing and implementing interactive, developer-facing tools and reusable frameworks that power content creation for hundreds of thousands of game developers globally. You will collaborate closely with UX designers and product managers to craft optimal, ergonomic solutions while driving architectural decisions that define the technical direction of the platform. The role offers an exceptional opportunity to directly influence how streamlined and enjoyable the game development experience is for the entire Roblox creator community.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and enhance various interactive tools that empower Roblox game developers to create compelling experiences more efficiently and intuitively
• Define robust architecture and implement reusable tooling frameworks that serve as the foundation for multiple features across Roblox Studio
• Partner with UX designers and Product Managers to identify and deliver the most optimal, ergonomic solutions that prioritize developer experience
• Design and execute on the architectural vision and technical direction that will shape the future of the Roblox Studio application
• Take ownership of complex technical projects from initial planning stages through successful execution and deployment
• Collaborate cross-functionally with multiple teams spanning different technology platforms to ensure cohesive integration and alignment
• Provide mentorship to team members, helping them develop their professional skills, technical expertise, and career growth
• Design, develop, and implement technological practices, patterns, and strategies that elevate engineering standards across the organization
• Contribute to building the world's premier professional application for massively multiplayer game development
• Work on the Builder Tools team's portfolio of content creation features, including 3D manipulation tools, character animation systems, terrain generation for expansive worlds, and in-game UI authoring capabilities
• Drive technical excellence by establishing best practices and ensuring high-quality code standards throughout the development lifecycle
• Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and strategic planning sessions that influence product roadmap decisions

Requirements

• Minimum of eight years of professional experience developing and deploying high-quality user-facing applications
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical work experience demonstrating comparable expertise
• At least three years of hands-on experience working with C++ or another lower-level programming language
• Demonstrated passion for crafting exceptional end-user experiences with attention to usability and performance
• Strong ability to own and deliver complex technical initiatives independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional partners
• Proven track record of defining technical architecture and guiding teams through implementation of large-scale systems
• Excellent communication skills for articulating technical concepts to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders
• Experience mentoring engineers and contributing to team growth and development
• Ability to work onsite at the San Mateo headquarters Tuesday through Thursday each week

Nice to have

• Experience with modern UI frameworks such as React, Cocoa, WPF, or similar technologies
• Background in creating developer-facing, engineer-facing, or artist-facing tools including game development tooling, CAD software, 3D editors, or design applications
• Familiarity with collaborative development environments or IDE development
• Experience building tools for creative professionals or content creators
• Knowledge of 3D graphics programming, animation systems, or terrain generation techniques
• Previous work on products serving large-scale developer communities

Skills & tools

• C++ and lower-level systems programming
• UI frameworks including React, Cocoa, WPF, or equivalent
• 3D tool development and interactive editor design
• Software architecture and reusable framework design
• Cross-platform development and integration
• Performance optimization for user-facing applications
• Collaborative IDE and developer tooling experience

Practical notes

• This position is based at Roblox headquarters in San Mateo, California, with a hybrid schedule requiring onsite presence Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Compensation includes base salary within the stated range plus equity compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Actual salary may vary based on factors including professional background, training, work experience, geographic location, business requirements, and market conditions
• Roblox is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment
• Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with qualifying disabilities or religious beliefs during the recruiting process
• Candidates should be aware of potential limitations regarding certain U.S. visa categories and H-1B sponsorship availability
• The pay range is subject to modification based on evolving market conditions and company policies