Lead Software Engineer, Tools | Unannounced | Irvine, CA

Blizzard Entertainment • Irvine, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Blizzard, we craft genre‑defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and technical excellence, we create immersive universes and iconic experiences beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations — only made possible by building a work environment that cultivates the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people. We are looking for a Lead Tools Software Engineer to help craft a new, unannounced game for Blizzard. As a key member of the development team and a technical and people leader, you will guide a team responsible for the development and evolution of workflows and tools that artists, designers, and programmers rely on every day. By directly managing engineers and collaborating closely with project leadership, you will help define strategic initiatives and establish clear, achievable goals aligned with project needs. This role offers a flexible hybrid work week from our Irvine, CA studio location, with a mix of remote and on-site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you're also welcome to work on-site full-time if you prefer.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in game development engineering, or a combination of applicable training and experience.
• Previous leadership experience, including delivery of at least one shipped game title.
• Experience using Unreal Engine, working with both C++ and Blueprint.
• Proven experience designing and implementing game‑creation software or developer tools.
• Experience working within large, cross‑disciplinary development environments.
• Advanced knowledge of C++, including established patterns and modern language features.
• Ability to produce frequent, readable, and well‑tested code commits.
• Strong understanding of effective user interactions and developer experience.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly share ideas, provide meaningful feedback, and actively listen.
• Strong debugging and problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to doing things the right way, even when it is challenging.
• Willingness to iterate and refine solutions until they reach a high bar of quality.
• Respect for diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration.
• Practical, solution‑oriented mindset that builds upon the ideas and work of others.
• Service‑oriented mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Computer science, mathematics, physics, or related degree(s).
• Experience making games with large, open worlds.
• Enthusiasm for games and game development.
• Links to shipped tools, engine work, or technical writeups.

Responsibilities

• Lead, evaluate, and mentor an engineering team responsible for the core editor experience, tools, and asset‑creation pipelines.
• Partner with production staff and the broader leadership team on milestone planning and tracking development progress.
• Collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other cross-functional partners to understand workflow needs and translate them into intuitive and efficient tooling solutions, with a focus on scalability and long‑term maintainability.
• Author and maintain tooling technical design documents outlining key architectural decisions, features, milestones, and technical risks.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team culture aligned with Blizzard’s core values.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others
• Relocation assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees