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Lead Foundations Engineer (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts
Los Angeles - Chatsworth, California, United States of AmericaVancouver - Great Northern Way, British Columbia, CanadaMadison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Posted 1 month ago
Last seen 1 month ago
Active
full-time
EA Studios - Respawn
$186,900 - $289,700 USD (California); $165,900 - $238,100 CAD (British Columbia)

Job Summary

Lead the evolution of Apex Legends' core game engine as a Foundations Engineer, driving performance-critical systems and guiding a talented team to deliver groundbreaking player experiences.

About this job

As a Technical Lead on our Foundations team, you will drive the evolution of low-level, performance-critical systems at the core of Apex Legends’ game engine, including CPU performance, memory management, load times, and platform support. You will lead a team of senior engineers, taking ownership of technical roadmaps and tackling complex engine challenges to deliver seamless player experiences worldwide.

Requirements

- 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. - 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. - 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 & Perks

- Paid time off (3 weeks per year to start in US and Canada) - Sick time (80 hours per year in US, 10 days per year in Canada) - 16 paid company holidays per year (US) - Paid time off to bond with baby (10 weeks in US, 12 weeks maternity + 4 weeks parental/adoption in Canada) - Medical/dental/vision insurance - Life insurance - Disability insurance - 401(k) (US) / Retirement plan (Canada) - Bonus and equity eligibility - Extended health/dental/vision coverage (Canada) - Complimentary games - Mental well-being support - Workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities

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