Principal Engineer, Word Gameplay Algorithm

Summary

Join PeopleFun, an award-winning mobile game creator, as a Principal Engineer to spearhead the development of our dynamic difficulty system, WordAlgo. This crucial role involves optimizing player experience by dynamically adjusting game difficulty in real-time, initially using rule-based algorithms and later integrating advanced Machine Learning and Large Language Models. You will collaborate with a data scientist and data engineer in an agile environment, focusing on iterative development and A/B testing. Your work will impact multiple mobile word puzzle games, enhancing player engagement and retention. Reporting to a General Manager, you will design, develop, and implement WordAlgo, create data optimization tools, and integrate with game development teams. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a transformative initiative within a fast-paced and forward-thinking organization. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mobile game development and a proven track record of success.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in mobile game development, with a strong understanding of game architecture and systems
• Demonstrated experience successfully launching and operating at least one commercial mobile game title
• Expert-level proficiency with Unity game engine, including a deep understanding of its architecture, scripting (C#), and best practices
• Proven ability to design and implement robust, scalable, and well-documented APIs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical ideas and engage in productive discussions
• Experience writing comprehensive technical design documents
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and a track record of delivering iteratively

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement the core Word Algorithm (WordAlgo) system, initially focusing on rule-based logic and evolving into ML and LLM-driven solutions using unit tests
• Create tools to convert and generate optimized data for use in mobile games
• Collaborate closely with data engineers and data scientists to integrate data pipelines and leverage player data for difficulty detection and adjustment
• Work hand-in-hand with game development teams to seamlessly integrate WordAlgo into existing and new mobile games, ensuring a clean and well-documented API for game logic to consume
• Design and document technical specifications for WordAlgo components, including algorithm logic, data flow, and API contracts
• Participate actively in an Agile development environment, contributing to iterative design, implementation, and testing cycles
• Continuously monitor and analyze game performance data to identify opportunities for algorithm optimization and player experience improvement
• Articulate technical concepts, challenges, and solutions clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders through verbal and written communication
• Champion PeopleFun's culture of trust, humility, and team-focused results in all aspects of work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with or a strong understanding of Machine Learning concepts and applications
• Familiarity with Unity Sentis or similar on-device ML inference engines
• Experience working with large datasets and data-driven systems
• Knowledge of Natural Language Processing (NLP) or Large Language Models (LLMs)

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Performance Bonuses
• 401K Match Policy
• Flexible PTO Policy
• Wellness Stipend
• Free Lunch each Friday
• Generous Parental Leave & Family-Friendly Culture
• Annual Credits for Professional Development & In-App Purchases