Principal Engineer

2K is headquartered in Novato California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005 2K Games is a global video game company publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms include Visual Concepts Firaxis Hangar 13 CatDaddy Cloud Chamber 31st Union HB Studios and 2K SportsLab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres including sports shooters action role-playing strategy casual and family entertainment.

Our team of engineers marketers artists writers data scientists producers thinkers and doers are the professional publishing stewards of 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA sports and entertainment brands including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K  renowned BioShock®️ Borderlands®️ Mafia Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises TopSpin 2K25 as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K

At 2K we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role.  If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K we encourage you to apply!

What We Need

A visionary technical authority to lead the core technology group. You will define a scalable technical strategy drive engineering excellence across multiple senior teams and serve as the chief mentor and architect for R&D efforts.

What You'll Do

• Define Architectural Strategy: Set the long-term technical roadmap engineering standards and core technology adoption (engine backend rendering).
• Drive Technical Governance: Act as the final authority on critical design decisions establish quality gates and manage performance budgets.
• Lead Hands-On Innovation: Prototype foundational systems perform high-level code reviews and solve high-risk architectural challenges.
• Mentor Senior Talent: Coach Principal Engineers and Tech Leads to foster a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate technical debt performance bottlenecks and architectural risks across the development lifecycle.
• Cross-Disciplinary Partnership: Align technical architecture with creative production and business objectives.

What Will Make You a Great Fit

• Industry Veteran: 10+ years in software engineering with 5+ years in a Principal or Architect role (AAA gaming or high-scale systems preferred).
• Deep Expertise: Expert-level C++ Unreal Engine architecture and high-performance computing.
• Proven Track Record: Success in shipping multiple complex products with stable maintainable architectures.
• Strategic Communicator: Ability to translate complex technical concepts for both engineers and executive leadership.
• Pragmatic Problem Solver: Balanced approach to solving immediate production needs while maintaining long-term architectural health.
• Innovation Focused: A passion for replacing legacy workflows with scalable R&D-driven solutions.

As an equal opportunity employer we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform their essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing only use 2K.com accounts.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $163400 and $240000 per Year. However base pay offered is based on market location and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates such as job-related knowledge skills experience and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company including: medical dental vision and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.

What We Do

2K is headquartered in Novato California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005 2K Games is a global video game company publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms include Visual Concepts Firaxis Hangar 13 CatDaddy Cloud Chamber 31st Union and HB Studios. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres including sports shooters action role-playing strategy casual and family entertainment. Our team of engineers marketers artists writers data scientists producers thinkers and doers are the professional publishing stewards of our growing library of critically-acclaimed franchises such as NBA 2K 2K PGA Battleborn BioShock Borderlands The Quarry The Darkness Mafia Sid Meier’s Civilization Marvel’s Midnight Suns WWE 2K and XCOM. At 2K we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K we encourage you to apply!

Why Work With Us

We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We push ourselves creatively to do the best work of our careers. We’re direct open and you’ll probably meet some new best friends – along with their dogs – sitting nearby. In short it’s kinda awesome.

Gallery