Principal Software Engineer, Character Control

Roblox • San Mateo, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed