At Visual Concepts, we believe great games are made by diverse and empowered teams with a shared passion for play. As one of the world’s top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to critical acclaim and commercial success. Our teams are independent and ambitious. Our studios in Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul and Parksville, Canada are committed to artistry and ground breaking technology, offering top candidates the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the hardest working and most creative minds in the industry.
What We Need:We’re seeking a Principal Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join the NBA 2K team! In this role, you’ll take ownership across a broad technical landscape—leveraging your expertise in distributed systems, large-scale computing, and efficient databases to build high-performance backend services. Your work will play a key role in delivering world-class online experiences that power one of the most popular sports game franchises in the world.
What You Will Do:- Take ownership of backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K’s online features
- Design and optimize distributed systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance
- Build and maintain large-scale computing solutions that handle millions of concurrent players
- Develop efficient database structures and queries to support high-volume, real-time transactions
- Deliver high-performance backend services with a focus on low latency and stability
- Partner with engineering and design teams to enable seamless online gameplay experiences.
- 12+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend and server-side systems
- Strong proficiency in C++ with a solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles
- Proficiency in one or more scripting languages such as Python, PHP, Perl, or Ruby, with a strong preference for Python
- Deep understanding of distributed and scalable systems, with a track record of designing and delivering reliable, high-performance backend architectures
- Proven experience with multithreaded programming, driving efficiency and stability across large-scale, real-time environments
- Leadership in technical direction, mentoring engineers and setting best practices for system design, performance, and scalability
- Demonstrated ability to research, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and trends to enhance team capabilities, platform performance, and product innovation
- BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience in large-scale software development
- Experience developing secure transaction systems, including virtual currency and account-based features, a strong plus
- Skilled in database optimization, including connection management and query performance tuning
- Familiarity with online gaming architectures and service design for live, connected player experiences
- Working knowledge of SQL databases such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or similar systems
- Video game console development experience is highly beneficial
- Love for video games (not just ours!)
This is a fully remote role that may be based anywhere in the United States. Below are the expected salary and wage ranges for applicants based in locations where the pay transparency law is in effect: California: $192,000 - $250,000 per year. New York State (inclusive of New York City): $172,000 - $235,000 per year. Washington: $192,000 - $250,000 per year. New Jersey: $172,000 - $235,000 per year. British Columbia: $164,000 - $230,000 (CAD) per year. 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, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an 'at-will position' and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
To learn more about Visual Concepts and our studio locations, check out our website at www.vcentertainment.com
Top Skills
What We Do
Founded in 1988, Visual Concepts is the developer behind the 2K Sports games and the dominating success of the NBA 2K franchise. The Visual Concepts team is devoted and ambitious, never content to stop searching for new ways to improve the gaming experience and to develop advanced techniques and methods of producing cutting edge entertainment. It is through this determination and love of both sports and video games that Visual Concepts has fostered NBA 2K from its creation in 2000 to present day, ensuring each annual release is innovative and improved. The Visual Concepts attitude and work ethic shines through in the games and earns the company awards and accolades year after year.
