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Full-Time

Engineering Manager

Applied AI

Updated on 9/13/2024

Zynga

Zynga

1,001-5,000 employees

Develops social games for mobile platforms

Consumer Software
Gaming

Compensation Overview

$100.9k - $182.8kAnnually

+ Bonus + Equity Awards

Mid, Senior

Remote in USA

Category
Engineering Management
Software Development Management
Required Skills
Python
Communications
Management
Java
TypeScript
AWS
Requirements
  • B.S. in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience. An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) would be a plus.
  • 2+ years of experience in a people management role with a deep understanding and knowledge of AI applications, methods, and industry trends.
  • Solid understanding of standard methodologies for engineering process, code quality, build/release pipelines, security and live operations
  • Familiarity with multiple programming languages and platforms (Java, C#, Python and/or TypeScript)
  • Strong knowledge of AWS services and Well-Architected pillars
  • Strong project and customer management skills
  • Strong communication and analytical skills
  • Strong Mentorship skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal direction
  • Ability to challenge and influence in a collaborative way
Responsibilities
  • Run teams of software engineers and data scientists working on various shared products/services
  • Drive technical excellence by validating technology choices, architectural design and code quality, diving deeper when needed
  • Enable the team to succeed through mentorship and by identifying gaps, improving engineering process and providing growth opportunities
  • Be the voice of the team in interacting with various partners across fields both inside and outside of the organization
  • Translate executive leadership goals down to the team, distilling strategic direction into tactical action
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
  • Collaborate with other technical leaders at Zynga to champion outstanding development
  • Participate in the hiring process from recruiting through onboarding
  • Coordinate closely with other fields (especially Production and Product Management) to ensure alignment against larger organizational goals

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