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Respawn Entertainment · 1 day ago

Lead Foundations Engineer (Apex Legends)

LA Metro Area

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff

$187K/yr - $290K/yr

10+ years exp

Respawn Entertainment, part of Electronic Arts, is known for creating extraordinary games, including Apex Legends. They are seeking a Technical Lead to drive the evolution of low-level, performance-critical systems in the game engine, leading a team of engineers to tackle complex challenges and enhance player experiences.

Developer PlatformPC GamesVideo Games

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Lead a team of senior generalist engineers, fostering a collaborative, solutions-focused environment

Plan and execute major technical changes while maintaining a stable live-service codebase

Solve complex challenges across multithreading, build processes, CPU optimization, and scripting systems

Analyze and improve existing systems to streamline performance and maintainability

Define technical roadmaps and staffing plans aligned with long-term engine goals

Mentor engineers through reviews, architecture discussions, and hands-on guidance

Architect, implement, and maintain low-level engine systems in C++

Collaborate across disciplines to design efficient, scalable solutions

Optimize systems for memory, CPU, and streaming performance

Lead cross-platform development for Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo hardware

Debug and resolve complex engine issues in large-scale, live environments

Partner with internal and external tech teams (EA Central Tech, first-party partners) to integrate new technologies

Qualification

C/C++Performance optimizationGame engine architectureTechnical leadershipAAA console developmentDebuggingCross-disciplinary collaborationProblem-solvingMentoring

Required

Passion for games and improving core engine systems

Technical expertise: Deep C/C++ and systems programming knowledge; strong focus on performance and optimization

Versatility: Comfortable across engine domains and large codebases

Experience: 10+ years in game development, including 5+ in engine architecture and 3+ in a technical leadership role

Leadership: Proven ability to guide experienced engineers and align teams on complex goals

Platform knowledge: AAA engines, console development (Sony/Microsoft/Nintendo), Perforce, Visual Studio, Windows; shipped at least one AAA title

Skills: Expert debugging and performance optimization using industry profilers; cross-disciplinary collaboration and solutions-focused mindset

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in CS/Math, experience with PS5/Xbox Series X|S, multiplayer AAA titles, or Linux debugging

Benefits

Paid time off (3 weeks per year to start)

80 hours per year of sick time

16 paid company holidays per year

10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) to regular full-time employees

Paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave)

Extended health/dental/vision coverage

Retirement plan to regular full-time employees

Complimentary games