Principal Software Engineer, AI Enablement - Central Product

About This Role

As a Principal Software Engineer on Riot's AI Enablement team, you will act as a technical force multiplier, embedding with various teams across Riot to accelerate their adoption of modern AI development, including generative AI, LLMs, and reinforcement learning. This role involves building production-ready AI integrations, developing robust developer tools, and leveling up partner engineers through collaborative work. You will be at the forefront of cutting-edge AI in the game industry, bridging new technologies with live environments to shape Riot's product and game development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical execution of integrating modern AI practices into existing engines, tools, and pipelines
• Deploy onto partner teams across Riot to break down complex AI implementation problems, establish technical direction, and deliver scalable, highly performant solutions
• 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
• Share engineering best practices, security guardrails, and performance standards for AI usage across Riot’s development ecosystem
• Identify when industry-standard tools are insufficient and develop new foundations, middleware, or APIs to connect AI research with practical development
• Actively navigate highly complex, uncharted technical spaces, communicating trade-offs and building consensus among engineering and product leadership

Requirements

• 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

Nice to have:

• 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

Benefits

• Open paid time off policy
• Flexible work schedules
• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children
• 401k with company match
• Incentive compensation
• Equity
• Short and long-term disability

About the Company

Riot Games creates games and experiences that aim to make it better to be a player. The company focuses on collaborative teams where employees are empowered to bring their unique perspectives every day.