Principal Software Engineer; backend

Position Overview

Come join the team at Zynga making an impact across all of the company’s games – Central Technology! We focus on shared client & server tech that drives the core gameplay experience under the hood. We’re looking for outstanding engineers with a passion for technology and the desire to work in a dynamic team. The Principal Software Engineer will work with a complementary team of software engineers to craft and maintain Zynga’s core Payments platform, which enables flawless integration with app stores, consoles, and payments processing providers.

They will play a key role in helping architect, build, and improve the next‑gen framework for our games.

• Design and architect new backend applications/services running in AWS
• Optimize and refactor existing services to improve reliability, scalability and lower cost
• Document and build plans for architecture and system designs
• Take a hands‑on approach in architecting, writing and reviewing code
• Review detailed tech plans from others, aligning with the team and Zynga‑wide technical vision
• Proactively identify and recommend improvements to address systemic problems and tech debt
• Follow engineering standard methodologies to ensure code quality, performance and reliability
• Work collaboratively across teams to understand product/customer requirements and propose technical solutions
• Provide production and integration support for shared technology across Zynga games

• Degree in a technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Computer Engineering) or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of hands‑on software development experience
• Experience in programming RESTful services using Java
• Solid understanding of backend server applications and web services
• Strong familiarity and experience using AWS and/or other cloud computing platforms (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
• Strong familiarity and experience with database systems (SQL, No
  
  SQL)
• Experience with C#/C++ and mobile client development is a strong plus
• Familiarity with containers and Kubernetes
• Familiarity with web development using JavaScript, Angular, and/or React
• Deep understanding of algorithms, design patterns, debugging and performance optimization
• Experience in object‑oriented design of applications/systems
• Experience with agile development methodologies and tools
• Excellent interpersonal skills – particularly the ability to discuss timelines, design concerns, work with distributed teams, and provide effective feedback to team members
• Experience working with AI tools

The pay range for this position in Toronto at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,300 and $164,300 per year. The range for California is expected to be between $133,900 and $180,000 per year. The range for Illinois is expected to be between $120,600 and $170,000 per year. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package may also include a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full‑time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the company, including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the company’s discretionary time‑off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave;

wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness‑related expenses.

The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, which means we are committed to creating and celebrating diverse thoughts, cultures, and backgrounds throughout our organization. Employment with us is based on substantive ability, objective qualifications, and work ethic – not an individual’s race, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sex offenses, reproductive health decision, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing the necessary support and accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, health conditions, or impairments to ensure their full participation in the job application or interview process. Please contact us at a to request accommodations or for support related to your application for an open position.