Principal Server Engineer - NBA ; REMOTE

At Visual Concepts, we believe great games are made by diverse and empowered teams with a shared passion for play. As one of the world’s top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to critical acclaim and commercial success. Our teams are independent and ambitious. Our studios in Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul and Parksville, Canada are committed to artistry and cutting‑edge technology, offering top candidates the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the hardest working and most creative minds in the industry.

We’re seeking a Principal Engineer with a passion for server‑side development to join the NBA 2K team! In this role, you’ll take ownership across a broad technical landscape—leveraging your expertise in distributed systems, large‑scale computing, and efficient databases to build high‑performance backend services. Your work will play a key role in delivering world‑class online experiences that power one of the most popular sports game franchises in the world.

• Contribute to the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K's online features
• Design and optimize distributed systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance
• Build and maintain large‑scale computing solutions that handle millions of concurrent players
• Develop efficient database structures and queries to support high‑volume, real‑time transactions
• Deliver high‑performance backend services with a focus on low latency and stability
• Partner with engineering and design teams to enable seamless online gameplay experiences.

• 12+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend and server‑side systems
• Strong proficiency in C++ with a solid understanding of object‑oriented programming principles
• Proficiency in one or more scripting languages such as Python, PHP, Perl, or Ruby, with a strong preference for Python
• Deep understanding of distributed and scalable systems, with a track record of designing and delivering reliable, high‑performance backend architectures
• Proven experience with multithreaded programming, driving efficiency and stability across large‑scale, real‑time environments
• Leadership in technical direction, mentoring engineers and setting best practices for system design, performance, and scalability
• Demonstrated ability to research, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and trends to enhance team capabilities, platform performance, and product innovation
• BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience in large‑scale software development
• Experience developing secure transaction systems, including virtual currency and account‑based features, a strong plus
• Skilled in database optimization, including connection management and query performance tuning
• Familiarity with online gaming architectures and service design for live, connected player experiences
• Working knowledge of SQL databases such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or similar systems
• Video game console development experience is highly beneficial
• Love for video games (not just ours!)

This is a fully remote role that may be based anywhere in the United States. Below are the expected salary and wage ranges for applicants based in locations where the pay transparency law is in effect:
California: $192,000 - $250,000 per year. New York State (inclusive of New York City): $172,000 - $235,000 per year. Washington: $192,000 - $250,000 per year. New Jersey: $172,000 - $235,000 per year. British Columbia: $164,000 - $230,000 (CAD) per year. Base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits.

Finally, as a reminder, 2K is an equal employment opportunity employer. 2K does not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against individuals based on any protected characteristic. If you have any questions about this policy, please connect with hr- for support.