[Remote] Lead Software Engineer at DraftKings

United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Technology, Gaming, AIIndustries

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in object-oriented backend development using languages such as C#, Java, or strong proficiency in Python for AI-centric work
Proven ability to architect, build, and scale distributed systems in cloud environments such as AWS or Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Experience building production-grade systems that leverage reinforcement learning, with a practical understanding of reward function design and agent evaluation
Hands-on experience developing data pipelines and evaluation frameworks that support training, monitoring, and iteration of machine learning models
Deep experience developing and maintaining comprehensive automated test suites—including unit, integration, and performance tests—to ensure system resilience and scalability
A strong track record of mentoring engineers, leading code and design reviews, and driving high-impact technical decisions across cross-functional teams
A proactive mindset with a passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and staying ahead of AI industry trends
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or any suitable combination of education, experience, and training

Responsibilities

Architect, develop, and maintain scalable and secure systems and APIs that integrate AI capabilities into real-time, always-on applications used by millions
Build and own data pipelines and orchestration systems that support training, evaluating, and deploying reinforcement learning models in production
Design and implement model evaluation frameworks to monitor AI system performance, enabling continuous learning and iteration
Work closely with researchers and product stakeholders to translate RL strategies and reward function tradeoffs into practical, scalable backend implementations
Set and enforce engineering best practices around experimentation, model validation, and system observability to ensure safety, reliability, and performance
Take ownership of the full development lifecycle, from shaping the architecture of new features to breaking down workstreams and guiding implementation
Lead by example, writing high-performance, well-tested code that meets rigorous standards for reliability and scalability
Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Data Science, and Engineering teams to align technical solutions with strategic goals
Stay current with the latest developments in AI, ML infrastructure, and reinforcement learning, and bring new techniques into the engineering roadmap

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

AIMachine LearningReinforcement LearningData PipelinesAPIsScalable SystemsModel EvaluationBackend DevelopmentOrchestrationObservabilityExperimentation

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for the Lead Software Engineer role?

Candidates need at least 5 years of experience in object-oriented backend development using languages such as C#, Java, or strong proficiency in Python for AI-centric work, plus proven ability to architect and scale distributed systems in cloud environments like AWS or GCP, and hands-on experience with reinforcement learning systems including data pipelines.

What will I be working on as a Lead Software Engineer at DraftKings?

You'll architect scalable systems and APIs integrating AI into real-time applications, build data pipelines for reinforcement learning models, design model evaluation frameworks, and lead cross-functional collaboration while enforcing engineering best practices.

Is this a remote position or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of leadership and team involvement is expected?

You'll lead by example, guide a team, mentor talent, set engineering best practices, break down workstreams, and collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Data Science, and Engineering teams.

DraftKings

Online platform for fantasy sports and betting

About DraftKings

DraftKings operates in the online gaming and entertainment industry, focusing on daily fantasy sports, sports betting, and online casino games. Users can engage in daily fantasy sports contests for cash prizes, place bets on various sports events, and play casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker. The platform also includes a marketplace for digital collectibles, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade NFTs of celebrities. DraftKings ensures compliance with gaming regulations, providing a secure environment for its users. Unlike many competitors, DraftKings offers a diverse range of gaming options and revenue streams, attracting a wide audience of sports fans, gamblers, and digital collectors. The company's goal is to create a comprehensive and safe platform for users to enjoy various gaming activities and digital asset trading.

Boston, MassachusettsHeadquarters

2012Year Founded

$911.4MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Crypto & Web3, GamingIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Performance Bonus

Company Equity

Risks

Class action lawsuit for alleged unlawful account termination could damage reputation.

Accusations of collusion with FanDuel may lead to antitrust investigations.

Sportsbook+ in New York may face regulatory scrutiny over its subscription model.

Differentiation

DraftKings offers a unique combination of fantasy sports, sports betting, and online casino games.

The company has ventured into the NFT market, expanding its digital collectibles offerings.

DraftKings ensures a secure gaming environment through compliance with gaming authorities.

Upsides

Partnership with Delta Air Lines could open new revenue streams through in-flight gaming.

Launch of Sportsbook+ in New York offers enhanced odds, attracting more subscribers.

Entry into the NFT market taps into the growing digital collectibles trend.

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