Senior

Software Engineer, Engine Systems - Diablo | Irvine, CA or Albany, NY

Activision Blizzard

Irvine, USA, Albany · Hybrid

Team Name: Diablo

Job Title:

Requisition ID:

R026838

Job Description:

We Need You

The minions of hell are growing stronger…

Join us as we continue to shape the Diablo universe! Diablo games are action RPG experiences with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot. Come work with us, and together we’ll create something amazing. Our team of passionate developers is growing.

We are seeking an Engine Systems Engineer to assist in the creation of new ARPG experiences within one of Blizzard’s most iconic worlds, Diablo. In this role, you will help advance the core technology that powers our game by improving foundational engine infrastructure (streaming, asset loading, performance systems, and platform support) as well as core runtime systems such as animation, VFX, physics, and audio. You’ll also ensure smooth, stable gameplay experiences through thoughtful performance optimization, efficient content delivery, and robust multi‑platform integration. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with cross‑disciplinary partners to support both creative and technical goals, leverage platform SDKs, and solve complex challenges that bring immersive, high‑fidelity gameplay to life across a wide range of hardware.

This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on-site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you're also welcome to work on-site full-time if you prefer. Our primary studio locations are in Albany, NY, and Irvine, CA.

Responsibilities:

Design, implement, and maintain core engine features by collaborating closely with designers, artists, and fellow engineers to support both creative and technical goals.
Improve engine workflows and pipelines by identifying bottlenecks, simplifying processes, and enabling teams to build content more efficiently.
Ensure client and runtime stability across multiple platforms by diagnosing complex issues, fixing bugs, and strengthening system reliability.
Advance the game engine through performance tuning, scalability work, and platform‑specific optimization to support long‑term growth of the project.

Minimum Requirements:

5+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a strong focus on modern C++ in real‑time or game development environments.
Deep understanding of memory management, performance considerations, and software architecture.
Strong grasp of core data structures and practical insight into when and how to use them effectively.
Demonstrated experience optimizing both code and data layouts for performance and memory efficiency.
Excellent communication skills and comfort working closely with designers, artists, producers, and other engineers.
Hands‑on experience with multithreaded programming and a solid understanding of concurrency challenges.

Bonus Points:

Background in developing or optimizing games for console platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch).
Experience with C# or experience working with C#-based tools or systems.
Familiarity with Python, Lua, or similar scripting languages.
Ability to discuss or share examples of C++ work, such as custom engines, renderers, compilers, embedded systems, or similar projects (professional, academic, or personal).

Your Platform

Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Our World

Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

Our ability to build immersive and innovative worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!

The video game industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

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. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.

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.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered! 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 $37.26 - $68.93 Hourly. 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. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.