Principal Software Engineer - Content Understanding

Overview

As a Principal Software Engineer within the Creator Organization, you will develop innovative full-stack solutions that define the future of Roblox's Content Understanding Platform, which processes billions of pieces of content including 3D models, audio, text, video and experiences.

What you'll do

• Solve full-stack challenges to improve how AI, creators, and users describe and get along with content, including images, 3D models, audio, text, and video.
• Craft and build scalable pipelines for training, evaluating, and deploying machine learning models to support content annotation and discovery.
• Develop robust backend systems to power real-time search, discovery, and powerful generative AI features.
• Blend innovation with practicality, applying the latest AI research to build impactful, production-ready solutions.
• Collaborate with engineers, product managers, and multi-functional teams to deliver bold technical projects.

What you'll need

• 9+ years of strong programming skills in at least two languages (Python, C#, C++, Java) and a willingness to learn others as needed.
• Exposure to front end technologies and frameworks such as React or Angular.
• Practical experience crafting and scaling backend systems in cloud environments.
• Confirmed expertise across the stack, including backend development to deploying ML models in production environments.
• Familiarity with image or 3D object understanding, ideally within gaming or content creation industries.
• A "get stuff done" mentality with a readiness to solve challenges and take on tasks beyond your comfort zone to get results.
• A great foundation in computer vision, AI, or related fields.

Nice to have

• Experience with large-scale search systems, generative AI, or semantic content understanding.
• Experience with modern deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and end-to-end ML workflows.
• Knowledge of 3D geometry or asset workflows.
• Passion for empowering creators through innovative technology.

Details

• Location: San Mateo, CA, United States (headquarters).
• Roles based in the office are onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with optional presence on Monday and Friday (unless otherwise noted).
• Annual base salary range: $295,250 to $345,040 USD.
• For US based roles only, the Company may not be able to employ candidates who have United States work authorization related to certain U.S. visa categories, or support future H-1B sponsorship at this time.