Principal Software Engineer, Character Control

San Mateo, California, United StatesOnsiteFull TimePrincipal$295,250–$345,040 /yrPosted 2 months agoVisa sponsorship available

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Role summary

As a Principal Software Engineer on the Character Controller team, you will architect and develop modular gameplay frameworks and state management systems for physics-based Avatar movement. You will create core character abilities and evolve scalable gameplay architectures to enable complex interactions. The role requires strong proficiency in C++ and Lua, a deep understanding of Finite State Machines and data-driven ability systems, and experience with networked character movement, including client-side prediction and server-authoritative logic. A solid grasp of vector mathematics and kinematic controllers is essential for implementing complex movement behaviors and ensuring responsive, satisfying character controls. This role focuses on driving the next generation of Avatar movement within the gaming industry.

Every day, tens of millions of people come to Roblox to explore, create, play, learn, and connect with friends in 3D immersive digital experiences– all created by our global community of developers and creators.

At Roblox, we’re building the tools and platform that empower our community to bring any experience that they can imagine to life. Our vision is to reimagine the way people come together, from anywhere in the world, and on any device. We’re on a mission to connect a billion people with optimism and civility, and looking for amazing talent to help us get there.

A career at Roblox means you’ll be working to shape the future of human interaction, solving unique technical challenges at scale, and helping to create safer, more civil shared experiences for everyone.

As a Principal Software Engineer on the Character Controller team, you will architect the modular gameplay frameworks and state management systems that drive physics-based Avatar movement. You will develop new core character abilities that serve as the foundation for millions of experiences. You will evolve the scalable gameplay architectures that enable our developer community to build fluid, complex interactions that seamlessly integrate with the underlying physics.

You are passionate about systems architecture, specifically designing responsive interaction frameworks and state management. You possess strong proficiency in C++ and Lua, capable of bridging high-level gameplay logic with physics-based Character Controllers. Experience designing, extending or working within gameplay ability systems is a huge plus.

You Will:

Architect modular gameplay frameworks and state management systems that power the next generation of Avatar movement.

Develop the core locomotion mechanics and character abilities that serve as the gold standard for millions of players.

Bridge high-level gameplay logic with low-level engine physics to create responsive and realistic movement.

Optimize character performance and replication logic (prediction and authority) to guarantee fluid, multiplayer-ready experiences.

Identify API gaps and expand what our Character Controller technology can do for the community.

You Have:

8+ years of experience in game development, focusing on character systems, gameplay mechanics, or engine architecture.

Strong coding skills, bridging engine-level C++ with flexible Lua gameplay scripting.

A deep understanding of Finite State Machines (FSM) and data-driven, gameplay ability systems.

Experience implementing client-side prediction and server-authoritative logic for networked character movement.

A solid grasp of vector mathematics and kinematic character controllers, capable of implementing complex movement behaviors.

A drive to fine-tune the nuances of character movement, ensuring controls feel responsive, snappy, and satisfying.

For roles that are based at our headquarters in San Mateo, CA: The starting base pay for this position is as shown below. The actual base pay is dependent upon a variety of job-related factors such as professional background, training, work experience, location, business needs and market demand. Therefore, in some circumstances, the actual salary could fall outside of this expected range. This pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. All full-time employees are also eligible for equity compensation and for benefits as described on this page.

Annual Salary Range

$295,250—$345,040 USD

Roles that are based in an office are onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with optional presence on Monday and Friday (unless otherwise noted).

Roblox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Roblox also provides reasonable accommodations to candidates with qualifying disabilities or religious beliefs during the recruiting process.

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