Principal Gameplay Programmer

Come join  Bethesda Game Studios , the award-winning development team behind  Starfield ,  The Elder Scrolls  and  Fallout . Bethesda Game Studios strives to offer its employees a well-balanced home and work life by providing competitive salaries, a generous benefits program, and offices located in some of North America’s best cities.

With a goal of creating a culture as fun and diverse as our games and our players, we welcome applicants with unique skillsets, experience levels and backgrounds. If you are passionate about making a meaningful contribution to some of the most significant games in the industry we’d love to hear from you!

We will consider candidates for any of our four Bethesda Game Studios office locations : Rockville, MD; Montreal, Quebec; Austin, TX; Dallas, TX.

Responsibilities

Your Daily Life at Bethesda Game Studios

Bethesda Game Studios is seeking a Principal Gameplay Programmer who can design, implement, and maintain gameplay systems for Fallout 76. This role involves guiding and implementing our marquee and most complex gameplay features for Fallout 76.

In your role as Principal Gameplay Programmer ...

• You will easily dive in and become familiar with the game systems in our client / server engine
• You will implement, guide, and review game systems for Fallout 76
• You will work closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to iterate on gameplay features and ensure a great player experience
• You will take ownership of and help shape the overall game experience, extending beyond programming responsibilities
• You will own at least one major technology and / or game system in Fallout 76
• You will solve the more difficult bugs, problems, architectural dilemmas, or optimization issues
• You will be a leader in shaping programming policies and exploring new technologies and processes, especially in areas where others may face challenges
• You will help guide the direction of gameplay features and suggest options and alternatives that will improve the product
• You will code review and mentor more junior team members
• You will manage your time effectively with little to no guidance and prioritize work based on ROI and risk

Qualifications

What Makes You S.P.E.C.I.A.L.

Preferred Skills

What Makes You Extra S.P.E.C.I.A.L.

Programming

Gameplay Systems

Client / Server / Multiplayer

Linux / Windows / Console Proficiency

Bonus Skills

Salary Range

Principal Gameplay Programmer - The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $145,000 - $275,000 per year.

ZeniMax has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role; the applicable base pay range will depend on what ultimately is determined to be the candidate’s primary work location. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties / requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At ZeniMax certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases and discretionary bonuses. These awards are allocated based on individual performance and are not guaranteed. Benefits / perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with ZeniMax and the country work location. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick and mental health time, and several paid holidays, among others.

This position is in a union and represented by the Communication Workers of America.