Principal Online Software Engineer

Founded in 2023, 2K Sports Lab is the newest stand alone studio at 2K looking to push game development boundaries to bring 2K's next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. We're building a world-class team at our new Vancouver, BC location where our goal is to deliver an exceptional experience through bold ideas, technical excellence, and creative collaboration. We're seeking passionate and driven professionals across all areas of game development to help shape this ambitious vision. If you’re interested in tackling unique challenges and think you have what it takes to level up our team, we encourage you to apply!

We’re looking for a Principal Online Software Engineer to define the architecture and technical direction of our multiplayer platform and backend services. You’ll bring deep cloud expertise and Unreal Engine 5 experience to build secure, scalable, and resilient systems for a AAA sports title. This role combines hands-on technical mastery with leadership and mentorship across the engineering organization.

●      Architect scalable backend services and real-time multiplayer infrastructure

●      Collaborate on technical direction for online systems across the studio

●      Drive architectural decisions spanning UE5 and custom game servers

●      Lead security practices including service hardening and anti-cheat strategy

●      Mentor and guide engineers across teams and experience levels

●      Establish engineering standards and best practices for online systems

●      Partner with studio leadership to align technical and product strategy

●      Evaluate and mitigate technical risks across the product lifecycle

●      10+ years of software engineering experience in game development

●      Mastery of C++, Go, and Python

●      Deep expertise designing secure, scalable cloud-based backend services

●      Experience with Unreal Engine 5 networking and replication systems

●      Experience with customizing and optimizing UE Dedicated Servers

●      Strong leadership, mentorship, and communication skills across disciplines

●      Ability to drive technical direction and alignment across teams

●      Openness to people management responsibilities as the team grows

●      Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience

●      Experience with AWS, GCP, Kubernetes, or infrastructure-as-code at scale

●      Follows industry trends through research and conferences; speaking at events like GDC valued

●      Track record of shipping AAA multiplayer titles in senior roles

●      Passion for playing or watching sports

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided  suitable accommodations to enjoy equal employment opportunities, including the ability to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us if you need an accommodation as part of your application process or otherwise have questions about the Company’s accommodation policy and review process.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.
The pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between $139,300 and $206,140 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 employees in regular roles 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, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.