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Full-Time

Principal Software Engineer 1

Client-side, Unity3D

Posted on 8/21/2024

Zynga

Zynga

1,001-5,000 employees

Develops social games for mobile platforms

Consumer Software
Gaming

Compensation Overview

$123.5k - $182.8kAnnually

+ Bonus + Equity Awards

Senior, Expert

Canada

Category
Game Engineering
Software Engineering
Required Skills
UI/UX Design
Data Structures & Algorithms
Unity
Requirements
  • B.Sc. in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent education / work experience
  • 8+ Years game industry / mobile app experience as a software developer
  • Shipped titles and/or live games experience
  • Expert knowledge in C#, C/C++, or a similar programming language
  • 5+ Years Unity experience
  • Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms and software methodologies
  • Excellent communication skills and comfort working in a collaborative environment
  • In-depth understanding of client-server interactions
Responsibilities
  • Define, architect, & develop features and gameplay functionality in Unity and C#
  • Develop & integrate new technologies and tools (working with content teams)
  • Dive into the internals of core systems to extend them as-needed
  • Iterate on new or existing functionality and UI / UX
  • Proactively optimize code & memory for high performance simulations with tight constraints
  • Scope out large tasks and system with minimal direction, and help with delegation of that work
  • Work closely with other engineers to lead multi-week or month-long efforts
  • Give team and/or divisional tech talks on architectures that you’ve built
  • Work to identify and help to improve team and process inefficiencies
  • Help to mentor other engineers

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 easy to play, often featuring social elements that allow players to connect with friends. This focus on social interaction helps keep players engaged and encourages them to return to the games. Zynga targets casual gamers who prefer quick and accessible entertainment on their smartphones and tablets. The company uses a freemium model, offering free downloads with optional in-game purchases for enhancements and revenue from advertising. Zynga also partners with organizations like Amazon Prime and educational initiatives to expand its reach and support social causes. The goal of Zynga is to create enjoyable gaming experiences that foster community and connection among players.

Company Stage

M&A

Total Funding

$2B

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2007

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

14%

1 year growth

13%

2 year growth

22%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Zynga's collaboration with high-profile brands like Lamborghini and BBC Earth can lead to exclusive content and increased user engagement.
  • The release of new games like Star Wars: Hunters and branded tournaments with LIV Golf demonstrate Zynga's ongoing innovation and ability to capture diverse gaming audiences.
  • Zynga's strategic partnerships with educational and social initiatives like Girls Who Code enhance its corporate social responsibility profile, making it an attractive employer.

What critics are saying

  • The highly competitive mobile gaming market requires constant innovation to maintain user interest and market share.
  • Dependence on the freemium model means revenue is heavily reliant on in-game purchases, which can be unpredictable.

What makes Zynga unique

  • Zynga's focus on social elements within its games enhances user engagement and retention, setting it apart from competitors who may not prioritize social interaction.
  • The freemium model allows Zynga to attract a large user base by offering free-to-play games with optional in-game purchases, providing a flexible revenue stream.
  • Strategic partnerships with high-profile brands like Lamborghini and BBC Earth expand Zynga's reach and offer unique content, differentiating it from other mobile game developers.

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

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