Principal Software Engineer, Mobile Game Technology at Zynga

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

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

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Gaming, Mobile Games, Interactive EntertainmentIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience
6+ years of experience in developing cloud-based software, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality, scalable systems
Proficient in programming RESTful services using GoLang (preferred), Java, Python, or PHP
Strong experience with AWS and/or other cloud platforms (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
Hands-on experience with containers and Kubernetes/EKS, following industry-standard CI/CD practices
Experience with database systems (SQL, NoSQL)
Deep understanding of object-oriented programming, algorithms, design patterns, debugging, and performance optimization
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior leadership
Familiarity with web development frameworks such as JavaScript, Angular, and React is a plus

Responsibilities

Architect and develop large-scale, critically important backend platforms running on AWS, ensuring high availability, scalability, security, data integrity, observability, and cost efficiency
Drive end-to-end delivery of complex initiatives, from technical design and implementation to production rollout, monitoring, and ongoing operational ownership
Offer technical leadership by reviewing and guiding detailed compositions, ensuring alignment with Zynga’s long-term technical vision and standard methodologies
Collaborate multi-functionally with product, engineering, and operations teams to translate product and customer requirements into robust technical solutions
Establish and monitor engineering processes, quality metrics, and operational benchmarks to improve software delivery and system reliability
Guide incident response and postmortems, ensuring root-cause analysis and structural fixes rather than one-off patches
Mentor and coach engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

AWSBackend DevelopmentScalabilityHigh AvailabilitySecurityData IntegrityObservabilityArchitectureMicroservicesJavaGoPythonDockerKubernetesTerraform

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for this Principal Software Engineer role?

The role requires 6+ years of experience in developing cloud-based software, along with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.

What are the key responsibilities of this position?

You will architect and develop large-scale backend platforms on AWS, drive end-to-end delivery of initiatives, provide technical leadership, collaborate cross-functionally, establish engineering processes, guide incident response, and mentor engineers.

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 team and culture will I be joining at Zynga?

You'll join the Mobile Game Tech (MGT) team impacting all company games, working with dynamic strengths in a collaborative environment focused on technical excellence, continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and crafting unforgettable gaming experiences.

Zynga

Develops social games for mobile platforms

About Zynga

Zynga develops social games primarily for mobile and web platforms, with popular titles like FarmVille and Words With Friends. Their games are designed to be engaging and accessible, featuring social elements that allow players to connect with friends. This focus on social interaction helps keep users engaged and encourages them to return to the games. Zynga targets casual gamers who prefer quick and easy entertainment on their smartphones and tablets. The company uses a freemium model, offering free downloads with optional in-game purchases for enhancements and generating revenue through advertising. Zynga also partners with organizations like Amazon Prime and educational initiatives to expand its reach and support social causes.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2007Year Founded

$841.9MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Social Impact, GamingIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Compensation - Competitive salary, performance bonuses, opportunities for equity participation, retirement/pension savings support programs

Health - Medical, Dental, Vision covered for employees with participation for employees eligible dependents as well as Disability and life insurance program

Family - Generous parental leave for birth parents, partners and adoptive families. Infertility support, emergency child care and flexible time-off policies

Wellness - Gym benefits, wellness programs, employee assistance programs and generous time-off policies

Food - Food and snacks made in-house or delivered, healthy snack kitchens with drinks and treats, coffee bars, regular social gatherings and happy hours

Work & Life - Flexible time-off policies (DTO), office rest areas, gaming spaces, employee discounts and more

Transit Benefits - Shuttle service in select locations, commuter/parking benefits, secure bicycle storage, business travel assistance

Resource Groups - Women at Zynga (WAZ), zCares charitable giving, zParents, zEndurance adventure club, BZU, zPride LGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging

Risks

Chartboost acquisition by LoopMe may disrupt Zynga's advertising strategies.

IBM's patent lawsuit win could lead to financial liabilities for Zynga.

Star Wars: Hunters on PC may face competition from established PC games.

Differentiation

Zynga's games incorporate social elements, enhancing user engagement and retention.

The freemium model allows Zynga to attract a broad audience with free-to-play games.

Strategic partnerships expand Zynga's reach and support social causes.

Upsides

Cross-platform gaming enhances user engagement, as seen with Star Wars: Hunters.

Real-world brand integration in games opens new revenue streams, like with Toyo Tires.

High-profile celebrity marketing boosts visibility, as with Kit Harington for Game of Thrones.

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