Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay Systems & Animation - Innovative R&D Project

Riot Games, Inc.Los Angeles, USA

On-site Full-time

Clicking Apply Now takes you to AutoApply where you can tailor your resume and apply.

Experience Level

Senior

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess strong programming skills, experience with game engines, and a passion for developing engaging gameplay experiences. Familiarity with animation systems, AI programming, and multiplayer game design is highly desirable.

About the job

Join our team as a Senior Software Engineer focusing on Gameplay Systems and Animation for an exciting unpublished research and development project. In this role, you will leverage your expertise to create innovative gameplay mechanics and improve animation systems that enhance player experience.

About Riot Games, Inc.

At Riot Games, we are dedicated to creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences. Our team thrives on collaboration and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in game development. Join us to make a significant impact in the gaming world.

Similar jobs

Browse all companies, explore by city & role, or SEO search pages. View directory listings: all jobs, search results, location & role pages.

1 - 20 of 1,222 Jobs

Search for Principal Software Engineer Tech Lead Innovative R D Game

1,222 results

Select all on this page (20)

Apply

Principal Software Engineer (Tech Lead) - Innovative R&D Game

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

At Riot Games, our engineers possess extensive expertise in specific technical areas and appreciate the chance to engage across a wider spectrum of domains. We leverage both emerging and established technologies to craft innovative solutions that address complex, large-scale challenges and enhance player experiences. As a Principal Software Engineer and Tech…

Mar 30, 2026

Apply

Lead Staff Software Engineer, Console - Innovative R&D Project

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

At Riot Games, our engineers possess extensive expertise in niche technical fields while also cherishing the chance to engage across diverse domains. We harness both cutting-edge and established technologies, crafting inventive solutions to navigate high-volume challenges and enhance player satisfaction. As a Staff Software Engineer focused on console development for an exciting unpublished R&D product, you will spearhead the development of critical game features alongside an elite team of engineers, QA specialists, artists, and designers. Your contributions will ensure that our game not only meets but exceeds creative and quality benchmarks across multiple platforms.In this pivotal role, you will actively engage in the development and debugging of core game features, integrate console-specific systems, enhance the gamepad experience, and fulfill certification requirements. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, you will explore innovative solutions that surprise and delight our players as we bring this groundbreaking game to life. You will report directly to the Senior Engineering Manager of the Tech Foundations team within this R&D project.

Mar 26, 2026

Apply

Senior Researcher - Innovative R&D Project

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

At Riot Games, we are on the lookout for a talented and driven Senior Researcher to join our dynamic team focused on pioneering research and development for our next groundbreaking product. This role is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of gaming through innovative research that informs our creative direction and product development.As a Senior Researcher, you will conduct comprehensive research to inform our product strategies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the overall vision of our projects. Your insights will directly impact the quality and success of our future titles.

Apr 10, 2026

Apply

Principal Software Engineer, Backend Services - Unpublished R&D Product

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|$246.3K/yr - $343.4K/yr|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

Join Riot Games as a Principal Software Engineer, where your deep expertise in backend services will help shape the future of an exciting unpublished R&D product. You will have the opportunity to work on high-load, high-availability systems that are fundamental to delivering an extraordinary gaming experience for millions of players globally.As a leader in this role, you will champion technical vision, foster team collaboration, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring our backend systems are robust and scalable. Your contributions will directly impact gameplay features, server reliability, and live services, allowing us to launch successfully at scale.

Mar 26, 2026

Apply

Senior Manager, Software Engineering (Services Lead) for Innovative R&D Product

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

Role Overview Riot Games is seeking a Senior Manager, Software Engineering (Services Lead) to guide the development of new R&D products in Los Angeles. This position leads a team focused on building advanced software solutions and shaping the direction of emerging technologies within the company. What You Will Do Lead engineering teams working on innovative R&D projects Collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines to deliver high-quality software Set and uphold strong engineering standards for quality and performance Foster a culture that encourages creativity and technical growth Drive project vision and execution from concept through delivery Who You Are Experienced in managing software engineering teams Comfortable working across functions and disciplines Committed to technical excellence and continuous improvement Skilled at guiding teams through complex, innovative projects This role offers a chance to influence the future of Riot's R&D products while leading a talented group of engineers in a highly collaborative setting.

Apr 14, 2026

Apply

Staff Software Engineer, Tools for Innovative R&D Product

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

At Riot Games, our engineers possess not only deep expertise in their specific technical fields, but they also appreciate the chance to explore a wide array of broader domains. As a Staff Software Engineer in Tools, you will spearhead vital technical projects and exemplify outstanding engineering practices to your fellow engineers. We utilize both cutting-edge and established technologies to craft innovative solutions that tackle high-volume challenges while delivering exceptional value to our players. In this role as a Staff Software Engineer, Tools on a groundbreaking R&D product, you will design and develop the core components of the tools ecosystem for one of Riot's most thrilling upcoming titles. Collaborating closely with designers, artists, producers, and fellow engineers, you will gather requirements and establish a long-term vision for the developer tooling. Your responsibilities will include hands-on involvement in conceptualizing, planning, implementing, and maintaining the tools that enhance content creation workflows and boost developer efficiency. You will engage with state-of-the-art technology and seek innovative solutions that will surprise and delight our players as we bring this new game to life. You will report directly to the Director of Software Engineering within the team.

Mar 26, 2026

Apply

Staff Software Engineer, Gameplay Meta - Innovative R&D Project

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

Join Riot Games as a Staff Software Engineer specializing in Gameplay Meta for an exciting unpublished research & development project. This role calls for innovative thinkers who thrive in fast-paced environments and seek to push the boundaries of gaming technology. You will collaborate with a talented team to develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance gameplay experiences. Your expertise will be critical in shaping the future of interactive entertainment.

Apr 10, 2026

Apply

Lead Principal Game Developer

Exploding Kittens

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, CA

Join the team at Exploding Kittens as a Lead Principal Game Developer, where you will spearhead the development of innovative and engaging games. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a talented team in a vibrant environment where your creativity and technical expertise will be valued.

Apr 8, 2026

Apply

Robot Manipulation R&D Engineer

Hadrian Automation

Full-time|$160K/yr - $260K/yr|On-site|Los Angeles

Join Hadrian: Shaping the Future of ManufacturingAt Hadrian, we are pioneering autonomous factories that empower aerospace and defense industries to manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships with remarkable speed and cost efficiency. By integrating cutting-edge software, robotics, and comprehensive manufacturing solutions, we are revolutionizing the production of America’s most vital components.With a recent fundraising success of $260 million in Series C, we are poised to expand our mission. We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new state-of-the-art Factory in Mesa, Arizona, encompassing 270,000 square feet and generating 350 immediate job opportunities. Our new headquarters will support thousands of future hires, and we are introducing Hadrian Maritime to enhance naval production, alongside a Factory-as-a-Service model that provides complete systems rather than just individual components.Collaborating with startups, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and major defense contractors across the realms of space, shipbuilding, and aviation, Hadrian is focused on scaling production, minimizing costs, and expediting delivery for mission-critical initiatives. Our rapidly expanding team shares a unified vision to reindustrialize American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond!Your RoleAs a pivotal member of Hadrian’s Robotics team, you will spearhead the design, development, and implementation of intelligent automation systems tailored for manufacturing environments. Your work will be instrumental in scaling Hadrian’s core machining operations across multiple facilities in the U.S., creating robotic systems that operators, technicians, and systems will rely on daily. This position is perfect for engineers eager to push the boundaries of robotic dexterity, perception, and autonomy in real-world industrial settings.Key ResponsibilitiesInnovate and develop advanced algorithms and system architectures for robotic manipulation, grasping, and assembly in dynamic manufacturing environments.Design and execute comprehensive manipulation pipelines that integrate perception (e.g., 3D vision), planning, and control mechanisms.Work in tandem with mechanical engineers to prototype and refine custom end-effectors, sensor mounts, and robotic tooling solutions.Engage with stakeholders to gather, document, and translate operational requirements into precise technical specifications.

Nov 3, 2025

Apply

Principal Software Engineer - VALORANT Developer Experience & Workflows

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

At Riot Games, our engineers possess extensive expertise in their technical fields while embracing the chance to explore diverse areas. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will partner with fellow engineers to develop company-wide technical solutions. Your collaboration with teams will ensure exceptional quality and relevance across tech stacks, while inspiring other engineers through exemplary coding practices.VALORANT represents Riot's innovative approach to character-based tactical shooting. As a Principal Software Engineer on the Developer Experience & Workflows team, you will spearhead the technical design and implementation of significant enhancements to VALORANT’s Unreal Engine-based development environment. Leading engineers across multiple teams, your contributions will transform how developers across all disciplines create outstanding new content and experiences for players. You will report directly to the Director of Engineering for the VALORANT Foundations area.

Mar 26, 2026

Apply

Lead Principal Software Engineer

K2 Space Corporation

Full-time|$200K/yr - $240K/yr|On-site|Los Angeles, CA

Join K2 Space Corporation, where we are revolutionizing satellite technology by constructing the largest, highest-capacity satellites ever launched. Our groundbreaking initiatives are supported by an impressive $450 million from top-tier investors such as Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. With an additional $500 million in contracts from commercial and U.S. government clients, we are on a mission to mass-produce unparalleled satellite platforms for a range of missions, from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to deep space exploration.As heavy-lift launch vehicles become more prevalent, the space industry is transitioning from a phase of mass limitation to one of mass abundance. We believe this shift requires a new generation of spacecraft, meticulously engineered to withstand extreme radiation environments while fully leveraging the capabilities of current and future launch vehicles. Our K2 satellites provide unmatched performance at constellation scale across diverse orbits.With several launches scheduled through 2026 and 2027, we are dedicated to building a future that expands our presence in the solar system and aspires to achieve a Kardashev Type II civilization. If you are a driven individual who thrives in a dynamic environment and is eager to contribute to the success of an innovative Series C space startup, we invite you to apply.

Mar 25, 2026

Apply

Lead Principal Technical Artist, Environment - Unpublished R&D Product

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

Join Riot Games as a Principal Technical Artist specializing in Environment for an unpublished R&D project. In this pivotal role, you will engage your extensive expertise in 3D tools and problem-solving capabilities to enhance the League of Legends universe and other creative content from Riot Games. You will be responsible for creating and refining tools, managing pipelines, and offering essential technical support to artists on their most critical endeavors.As a Principal Environment Technical Artist on our MMO team, you will serve as the architect of our worldbuilding pipeline, establishing the foundational systems that empower environment artists and designers to construct vast, varied, and immersive landscapes. You will play a crucial role in influencing how our world is developed—from overarching tooling philosophies to hands-on implementation—ensuring we achieve scale without compromise and facilitating a creative, empowered worldbuilding process for numerous contributors over a long period.Your collaboration with Creative Leads, Engineering, and Production will focus on designing workflows that enhance art direction, promote efficient content creation, and sustain modular pipelines across biomes, architecture, and terrain.

Mar 26, 2026

Apply

Senior Process Engineer - Advanced R&D

Freeform Future Corp

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, CA

Join Freeform Future Corp as a Senior Process Engineer in our cutting-edge Advanced Research & Development department. In this role, you will be at the forefront of innovating and optimizing processes that drive our strategic objectives. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement sophisticated solutions that enhance performance and efficiency across our operations.

Apr 8, 2026

Apply

Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay Systems & Animation - Innovative R&D Project

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

Apr 9, 2026

Apply

Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay Systems & AI - Innovative R&D Initiative

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

Join us at Riot Games as a Senior Software Engineer specializing in Gameplay Systems and AI for an exciting unpublished research and development project. You will work collaboratively within a talented team to innovate and enhance gameplay experiences using cutting-edge technology. Your expertise will not only drive the development of sophisticated AI systems but also enrich gameplay mechanics to engage players in new ways.

Apr 9, 2026

Apply

Electrical Engineer for R&D Team at Deep Sky | Los Angeles

Deep Sky

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, CA

About Deep SkyAt Deep Sky, we are dedicated to pioneering the global shift towards carbon removal through our innovative direct air capture (DAC) facilities. Our cutting-edge plant in Innisfail is instrumental in extracting CO₂ from the atmosphere, significantly contributing to the fight against climate change. Be part of our transformative mission to achieve net-zero emissions.Job OverviewWe invite a passionate Electrical Engineer to join our R&D Engineering Team in Los Angeles, CA. You will play a pivotal role in designing, analyzing, prototyping, and integrating advanced electrical and electromechanical systems for our Direct Air Carbon Capture reactors along with the necessary test infrastructure, including hardware-in-the-loop digital twin systems. If you thrive on creating robust systems, enjoy tackling complex engineering problems, and are eager to engage hands-on with hardware, we are excited to hear from you.

Mar 15, 2025

Apply

Staff Software Engineer, Machine Learning Platform - Game Tech Group

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

At Riot Games, our engineers possess a profound expertise in their respective technical domains while thriving on the opportunity to explore a diverse array of projects. As a Staff Software Engineer, you will engage in initiatives that promote team synergy and collaborative goals across various teams. You will lead by influence, exemplifying exceptional engineering practices for your peers. Your mission will be to facilitate the production deployment of machine learning solutions globally for Riot Games. By employing contemporary MLOps methodologies, you will enhance deployment processes, simplify operational tasks, and establish robust infrastructures that empower data scientists, ML engineers, and product teams to deliver impactful results swiftly and with assurance. In this role, you will architect and execute strategies for model deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management. You will be instrumental in creating vital infrastructures that support diverse AI/ML applications, such as model orchestration, feature stores, and vector databases. Your contributions will facilitate the adoption and operational efficiency of ML and AI across Riot, enabling our game and platform teams to implement high-impact machine learning solutions effectively.

Apr 2, 2026

Apply

Lead Principal Software Engineer at Q-CTRL | Los Angeles

Q-CTRL

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles

About Our TeamAt Q-CTRL, our Quantum Computing Engineering division consists of a global team of talented software engineers and infrastructure specialists. We harness our extensive technical knowledge combined with an entrepreneurial spirit to create impactful software innovations. Our work is supported by stringent standards, and we uphold the principles of the three virtues. Our expertise spans back-end, front-end, machine learning, and platform engineering.We convert Q-CTRL’s cutting-edge technological advancements into commercial software products with applications in defense, research, and various industries. Collaborating closely with our Product, Design, and Research teams, we expedite the journey toward achieving quantum advantage on a global scale.About the RoleWe are on the lookout for a Principal Software Engineer to spearhead the architectural transformation of Q-CTRL’s product offerings, facilitating quicker delivery, improved scalability, and increased autonomy for our Product teams. This pivotal role is essential for the realization of the Opal Suite architecture, a robust and adaptable ecosystem designed to foster rapid product innovation and expansion. Reporting directly to the VP of Software Engineering, you will coordinate initiatives across various teams and departments, working in close collaboration with Technical Leads, Research, and Engineering Managers.As a visionary in system architecture, you will champion technical excellence across teams, steering the development of a modular, high-performance architecture that supports seamless integrations and empowers Product teams to innovate independently and swiftly.

Mar 2, 2026

Apply

Senior Software Engineer, UI & Services - Unpublished R&D Product

Riot Games, Inc.

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

At Riot Games, our engineers possess specialized technical expertise while also appreciating the chance to engage in a variety of broader fields. As a Senior Software Engineer, you will immerse yourself in projects that enhance team cohesion and align with cross-team goals. You will work closely with fellow game developers to create features and guide other engineers with exemplary engineering practices. Your influence will significantly impact your peers, with a focus on both implementation and providing technical leadership. In this role, you will leverage your extensive knowledge of game UI technology to breathe life into an innovative new game. Collaborating with a diverse team that includes a product lead, designers, artists, and fellow engineers, you will tackle fundamental product questions and craft experiences that ignite our players’ imaginations. You will report directly to the Manager of Software Engineering.

Mar 26, 2026

Apply

Principal Technical Artist - Tools & Pipeline for Innovative R&D Project

Riot Games

Full-time|On-site|Los Angeles, USA

Join Riot Games as a Principal Technical Artist, where your exceptional expertise in 3D tools and pipeline development will be pivotal in shaping groundbreaking artistic workflows. As a crucial member of our team, you will not only build and maintain essential tools but also provide invaluable support to our artists during their most vital projects. Your mentorship will inspire and promote the growth of a talented group of artists. In this role, you will architect and lead the comprehensive art production pipeline for an exciting unpublished R&D project, guiding it from prototype to release. You will create scalable and innovative art workflows that enable both internal teams and external collaborators to produce high-quality assets efficiently and consistently. This position straddles the realms of Art, Engineering, and Design, and you will be responsible for ensuring that our art pipelines are optimized, production-ready, and capable of scaling effectively. Reporting directly to the Director of Game Production, you will play a key role in our artistic vision.

Mar 26, 2026

Create account — see all 1,222 results

Browse all companies, explore by city & role, or SEO search pages. View directory listings: all jobs, search results, or location & role pages.