Principal Software Engineer Lead, Gameplay Systems - Minecraft

Job ID: 200055113Posted: 2026-09-17Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $142,800 - $274,800 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 3 days / week in-officeRole type: People ManagerTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Software EngineeringDiscipline: Software EngineeringCompany: MicrosoftOverviewAt Mojang Studios, the creators of Minecraft, we are on a mission to build a better world through the power of play. Why play? Well, play is at the heart of everything we do. It’s the blocky backbone of our games, the core of our development philosophy, and even the origin of our name. From the relentless experimentation of our endlessly inspiring community to the classrooms where Minecraft has become an essential teaching tool, play is the bedrock of our existence. We enable millions to create and play together, connect people across the globe, and foster a community that is among the most active and passionate in the world. Our community is global and incredibly diverse. When we are developing anything within our franchise, we keep this in mind. We want everyone to not only feel included in Minecraft, but also to see themselves in what we make. Our goal is for the Mojang Studios team to be as diverse as our community.The Gameplay Systems team is looking for a hands-on Engineering Lead who will drive innovation through a group of software engineers. Your team will be responsible for building the platform that empowers content creators to deliver a diverse set of Minecraft gaming experiences to players across multiple platforms.As Engineering Lead, you will be accountable for the technical direction, architecture, and delivery of core gameplay systems through your team, supporting them in evaluating requirements, designing solutions, estimating development, and integrating high quality features into our products. Collaboration with peers in development, product, design, and quality will be key. You will lead by example while also growing a talented team of engineers.You and your team will help shape the creation experience for Minecraft.ResponsibilitiesGrow a high performing team with a healthy culture based on trust. Nurture each individual’s growth and create the conditions for the team to deliver effectively.Own the technical strategy for the gameplay systems that your team supports and promote great engineering practices as well as continuous improvement.Lead by example and coach engineers to design elegant solutions which result in simple, extensible, and maintainable high-quality code.Foster collaboration. Partner closely with the team’s Product Manager and engineers to ensure alignment. Build close partnerships with stakeholders in the US and Sweden.Communicate technical direction, decisions, and tradeoffs clearly across disciplines to drive successful outcomes.QualificationsRequired Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to C++, Java, or JavaScriptOR equivalent experience.Preferred Qualifications:4+ years of experience developing game/entertainment technologies or native applications. Experience helping teams deliver timely, high-quality products.3+ years of people management experience. Passion for developing people.Proficient design, programming and debugging knowledge with the ability to lead others to do these at quality through solid engineering practicesStrong communication and teamwork skills and an eagerness to reach goals in a collaborative manner#MojangJobs #GamingJobsSoftware Engineering M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.