Senior Engineer, Server – NBA 2K

Posted 12 Hours Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Novato, CA, USA
Hybrid
118K-174K Annually
Senior level
Gaming • Information Technology • Mobile • Software • Esports
2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices.
The Role
The Senior Engineer will work on backend architecture for NBA 2K, focusing on online features, scalability, and high-performance backend services. Responsibilities include optimizing distributed systems and developing efficient database structures.
Summary Generated by Built In

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 entrepreneurial. Our studios in Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul, and Parksville, Canada are committed to artistry and technical innovation, offering top candidates the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the smartest and most creative minds in the industry.


What We Need:

We’re seeking a Senior 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- working 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. This role reports into Lead Director of Programming.


What You Will Do:
  • Work in the 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.

Who Will Be A Great Fit:
  • 5+ 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
  • Understanding of distributed and scalable systems
  • Proven experience with multithreaded programming, driving efficiency and stability across large-scale, real-time environments
  • 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: $130,700 - $174,300 per year. New York State (inclusive of New York City): $117,700 - $157,000 per year. Washington: $130,700 - $174,300 per year. New Jersey: $117,700 - $157,000 per year. British Columbia: $115,700 -$154,300 (CAD) per year. However, 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 and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.


To learn more about Visual Concepts and our studio locations, check out our website at www.vcentertainment.com

Skills Required

  • 5+ years of professional software development experience
  • Strong proficiency in C++
  • Proficiency in one or more scripting languages (Python preferred)
  • Understanding of distributed and scalable systems
  • Experience with multithreaded programming
  • BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience
  • Skilled in database optimization

What the Team is Saying

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The Company
HQ: Novato, CA
3,505 Employees
Year Founded: 2005

What We Do

2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, and HB Studios. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment. Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of our growing library of critically-acclaimed franchises such as NBA 2K, 2K PGA, Battleborn, BioShock, Borderlands, The Quarry, The Darkness, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, WWE 2K, and XCOM. At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!

Why Work With Us

We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We push ourselves creatively to do the best work of our careers. We’re direct, open, and you’ll probably meet some new best friends – along with their dogs – sitting nearby. In short, it’s kinda awesome.

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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

We are a blend of onsite, hybrid, and remote roles. Please refer to individual job descriptions for more details on location.

Typical time on-site: Flexible
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