Principal Software Engineer - Network Transport (45976) San Mateo, CA

Roblox
San Mateo, CA
On-site

In the 12 months to 30 Jun 2026, Roblox filed 62 H-1B positions titled "Senior Software Engineer". Source: U.S. Department of Labor, LCA disclosure data. A record of filings already made, not a commitment to sponsor.

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for experienced game networking engineers who have built and optimized large-scale distributed systems and are passionate about open source.

Best fit for

  • Experienced game engine developers with a focus on network stack optimization and performance
    — “worked on a powerful user-space network stack, solving problems related to scale, performance, latency, and throughput in client/server environments”
  • Candidates with a background in multithreaded distributed systems and global user connectivity
    — “worked on a very large multithreaded distributed system that connects millions of users worldwide”
  • Engineers who have worked across multiple platforms including desktop, mobile, and console clients
    — “worked on all the devices Roblox supports - from desktop clients to mobile phone clients to console clients”

Things to consider

  • Onsite commitment required for San Mateo-based roles, with limited remote flexibility
    — “Roles that are based at our headquarters in San Mateo, CA: The starting base pay for this position is as shown below.”
  • No H-1B sponsorship support for US-based roles at this time
    — “please note the Company may not be able to employ candidates for this role who have United States work authorization related to certain U.S. visa categories”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with optimizing real-time communication in large-scale systems
    — “help the players experience the game as a nearly synchronous world”
  • Demonstrate deep knowledge of Linux networking and congestion control algorithms
    — “Experience with Linux networking, QoS, Congestion Control Algorithms.”
  • Showcase systems-level C++ expertise with memory management and performance tuning
    — “Strong systems-level C++ programming experience and fascinated by the actual work the CPU does when you use smart pointers, templates, virtual functions, and blocks of memory”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Work on a powerful user-space network stack
  • Work on a very large multithreaded distributed system
  • Work on all devices Roblox supports
  • Work on a game engine
Typical background
10+ years of experience in software engineeringExperience with Game networkingExperience with Game Engine/Studio

Skills & requirements

Required

C++Network StackMultithreaded Distributed SystemsLinux NetworkingQosCongestion Control AlgorithmsGame NetworkingGame Engine

Preferred

Open Source

Stack & domain

C++Linux NetworkingQosCongestion Control AlgorithmsNetwork StackGame NetworkingGame EngineMultithreaded Distributed SystemsClient/server EnvironmentsUser-space Network StackSmart PointersTemplatesVirtual FunctionsBlocks Of MemoryStructured And Raw MemoryOperating Systems LevelTeamworkCommunicationLogical ReasoningPassion For Working With Open SourceSoftware EngineeringNetworking

About the role

Original posting from Roblox

Every day, tens of millions of people come to Roblox to explore, create, play, learn, and connect with friends in 3D immersive digital experiences– all created by our global community of developers and creators. 

At Roblox, we’re building the tools and platform that empower our community to bring any experience that they can imagine to life. Our vision is to reimagine the way people come together, from anywhere in the world, and on any device. We’re on a mission to connect a billion people with optimism and civility, and looking for amazing talent to help us get there. 

A career at Roblox means you’ll be working to shape the future of human interaction, solving unique technical challenges at scale, and helping to create safer, more civil shared experiences for everyone.

The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Network Transport Engineer you will help the players experience the game as a nearly synchronous world. Just as the nerves in our bodies coordinate our actions, the network system coordinates all the computers involved into a smooth experience for the players. You will work in all areas of the game platform in your quest for real-time communication of every part of Roblox.

You Have:

Worked on a powerful user-space network stack, solving problems related to scale, performance, latency, and throughput in client/server environments.

Worked on a very large multithreaded distributed system that connects millions of users worldwide.

Worked on all the devices Roblox supports - from desktop clients to mobile phone clients to console clients

Worked on a game engine and understand how a game engine works

You Are:

A software engineer with 10+ years of experience with Game networking coming from a Game Engine/Studio

A deep understanding of Network Stack with a passion for working with open source

Strong systems-level C++ programming experience and fascinated by the actual work the CPU does when you use smart pointers, templates, virtual functions, and blocks of memory, both structured and raw

Experience with Linux networking, QoS, Congestion Control Algorithms.

Keen to each millisecond of the network exchanges: You know where the time goes and how to reduce the waste

Understanding of what happens on the operating systems level when certain code is completed

For roles that are based at our headquarters in San Mateo, CA: The starting base pay for this position is as shown below. The actual base pay is dependent upon a variety of job-related factors such as professional background, training, work experience, location, business needs and market demand. Therefore, in some circumstances, the actual salary could fall outside of this expected range. This pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. All full-time employees are also eligible for equity compensation and for benefits as described on this page.

Annual Salary Range$295,250—$345,040 USDRoles that are based in an office are onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with optional presence on Monday and Friday (unless otherwise noted).

Roblox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Roblox also provides reasonable accommodations to candidates with qualifying disabilities or religious beliefs during the recruiting process.

For US based roles only, please note the Company may not be able to employ candidates for this role who have United States work authorization related to certain U.S. visa categories, or support future H-1B sponsorship at this time.

Source: Roblox careers

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