Principal Software Engineer, AI Enablement

Job title: Principal Software Engineer, AI Enablement

About the Role As a Principal Software Engineer on Riot’s AI Enablement team, you’ll lead the development of key AI features and model high standards of engineering excellence. You’ll embed directly with Riot teams to accelerate adoption of modern AI development and build production-ready AI integrations and tools. You will be at the forefront of AI in the game industry, bridging research with live environments to shape Riot’s products and games.

What You'll Do

• Lead the technical execution of integrating modern AI practices into existing engines, tools, and pipelines.
• Embed and accelerate: Deploy onto partner teams across Riot to break down complex AI implementation problems, establish technical direction, and deliver scalable, highly performant solutions.
• Mentor embedded team engineers through pair programming, technical reviews, and hands-on collaboration; ensure a seamless transition of code ownership before deploying to your next assignment.
• Evangelize best practices, security guardrails, and performance standards for AI usage across Riot’s development ecosystem.
• Build foundations when industry-standard tools are insufficient, developing new foundations, middleware, or APIs to connect AI research with practical development.
• Manage ambiguity: navigate highly complex, uncharted technical spaces, communicate trade-offs, and build consensus among engineering and product leadership.
• Work as part of an elite, highly mobile strike team; once teams are empowered and systems handed off, deploy to the next challenge.

What We're Looking For

• BS in Computer Science (or equivalent experience) with 8–12 years of software engineering experience.
• Extensive experience with systems integration, technical leadership, and early-stage software development.
• Deep programming proficiency in C++ and at least one other language.
• Shipped at least one AAA game or large-scale, high-concurrency live service product.
• Proven track record of managing high ambiguity, setting technical strategy, and leading multi-month/year initiatives.
• Practical experience utilizing, integrating, or building modern AI tools, APIs, or infrastructure.

Nice to Have

• Experience extending or developing within Unreal Engine (C++).
• Familiarity with ML frameworks or LLM orchestration.
• Background working on shared engine technology, central tools, or platform engineering teams.
• Familiarity with the Runeterra and VALORANT IPs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Riot focuses on work/life balance, with open paid time off and flexible work schedules.
• Medical, dental, and life insurance; parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children; a 401k with company match.
• Check out our benefits pages for more information.