Principal Software Engineer, AI Enablement - Central Product

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains.  We work with both new and current technology, creating innovative solutions to solve complex, large-scale challenges and deliver player value.  As a Principal Software Engineer, you’ll lead the development of key features and model high standards of engineering excellence. 

As a Principal Software Engineer on Riot’s AI Enablement team, you are a technical force multiplier. You will embed directly with any team at Riot to accelerate their adoption of modern AI development (e.g., generative AI, LLMs, reinforcement learning). Operating as part of an elite, highly mobile strike team, you will build production-ready AI integrations, develop robust developer tools, and level up partner engineers through side-by-side collaboration. Once a team is empowered and systems are successfully handed off, you will deploy to the next challenge. You will be at the forefront of cutting-edge AI in the game industry, bridging the gap between new technologies and live environments to shape how Riot develops products and games. You will be accountable to Riot’s Head of AI Product.

Responsibilities:

• Implement and Integrate: Lead the technical execution of integrating modern AI practices into existing engines, tools, and pipelines.
• Embed and Accelerate: Deploy onto partner teams across Riot to break down complex AI implementation problems, establish technical direction, and deliver scalable, highly performant solutions.
• Mentorship and Handoff: Train and coach embedded team engineers through pair programming, technical reviews, and hands-on collaboration. Ensure a seamless transition of code ownership before deploying to your next assignment.
• Evangelize Best Practices: Share engineering best practices, security guardrails, and performance standards for AI usage across Riot’s development ecosystem.
• Build Foundations: Identify when industry-standard tools are insufficient and develop new foundations, middleware, or APIs to connect AI research with practical development.
• Manage Ambiguity: Actively navigate highly complex, uncharted technical spaces, communicating trade-offs and building consensus among engineering and product leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Computer Science (or equivalent experience) with 8-12 years of software engineering experience.
• Extensive experience with systems integration, technical leadership, and early-stage software development.
• Deep programming proficiency in C++ and at least one other language (e.g., Python, C#).
• Shipped at least one AAA game or large-scale, high-concurrency live service product.
• Proven track record of managing high ambiguity, setting technical strategy, and leading multi-month/year initiatives.
• Practical experience utilizing, integrating, or building modern AI tools, APIs, or infrastructure.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience extending or developing within Unreal Engine (C++).
• Familiarity with ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) or LLM orchestration.
• Background working on shared engine technology, central tools, or platform engineering teams.
• Familiarity with the Runeterra and VALORANT IPs.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we  put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
• Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
• Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
• Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security. 

(Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $229,200.00 - $319,500.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.