Principal Software Engineer, Ads Bidding

Posted 4 Hours Ago
Be an Early Applicant
San Mateo, CA
Hybrid
273K-338K Annually
Senior level
Computer Vision • Gaming • Software • Virtual Reality • Web3 • Metaverse
Immersive gaming and creation platform
The Role
As a Principal Software Engineer for Ads bidding at Roblox, you will develop innovative systems and algorithms for maximizing advertiser ROI. Responsibilities include creating auction systems, optimizing budget usage, and mentoring junior engineers to foster a strong engineering culture.
Summary Generated by Built In

Every day, tens of millions of people come to Roblox to explore, create, play, learn, and connect with friends in 3D immersive digital experiences– all created by our global community of developers and creators. 

At Roblox, we’re building the tools and platform that empower our community to bring any experience that they can imagine to life. Our vision is to reimagine the way people come together, from anywhere in the world, and on any device. We’re on a mission to connect a billion people with optimism and civility, and looking for amazing talent to help us get there. 

A career at Roblox means you’ll be working to shape the future of human interaction, solving unique technical challenges at scale, and helping to create safer, more civil shared experiences for everyone.

We are seeking Senior and Principal Software Engineers to join our Ads team and create innovative bidding algorithms and systems that improve advertiser ROI. In this role, you will optimize budget usage across diverse advertising objectives, design auctions that foster fair competition in the marketplace, develop sophisticated bidding models to balance user engagement, advertiser value, and creator monetization.

Roblox Ads is one of the company’s newest and fastest-growing teams, dedicated to revolutionizing advertising in the immersive metaverse. We strive to establish Roblox as the leading platform for immersive advertising, delivering ground-breaking experiences that benefit advertisers, creators, and users alike.

You Will:

  • Build innovative ads bidding systems and apply algorithms and machine learning to maximize advertiser ROI, supporting a wide range of advertising objectives.
  • Develop critical product features like auto-bidding, budget pacing, traffic forecasting, real-time auctions, and more.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to define roadmaps, set priorities, and deliver high-impact projects that shape the future of Roblox advertising.
  • Evolve our Ads platform architecture to fit seamlessly within the metaverse, supporting both current and future advertising initiatives.
  • Mentor and guide engineers, contribute to an elite engineering culture, and drive the team toward innovation and results.

You Have:

  • BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years in software development, with at least 3 years focused on ads auctions, bidding, or marketplace design.
  • Shown success building and scaling ad bidding systems, with proficiency in large-scale data processing, real-time auctions, and performance-driven bidding strategies (e.g. oCPM, CPA).
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor teams, fostering a respectful, high-impact engineering culture.
  • A creative, strategic attitude for navigating complex technical and organizational challenges, working closely with Product to ensure clarity and alignment.

For roles that are based at our headquarters in San Mateo, CA: The starting base pay for this position is as shown below. The actual base pay is dependent upon a variety of job-related factors such as professional background, training, work experience, location, business needs and market demand. Therefore, in some circumstances, the actual salary could fall outside of this expected range. This pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. All full-time employees are also eligible for equity compensation and for benefits.

Annual Salary Range

$273,070$338,270 USD

Roles that are based in our San Mateo, CA Headquarters are in-office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with optional in-office on Monday and Friday (unless otherwise noted).

You’ll Love: 

  • Industry-leading compensation package
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • A rewarding 401k program
  • Flexible vacation policy (varies by exemption status)
  • Roflex - Flexible and supportive work policy 
  • Roblox Admin badge for your avatar
  • At Roblox HQ: 
    • Free catered lunches five times a week and several fully stocked kitchens with unlimited snacks
    • Onsite fitness center and fitness program credit
    • Annual CalTrain Go Pass

Roblox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Roblox also provides reasonable accommodations for all candidates during the interview process.

Top Skills

Software Development

What the Team is Saying

Claus
Ying
Denise
Andrea
The Company
HQ: San Mateo, CA
2,500 Employees
Hybrid Workplace
Year Founded: 2004

What We Do

Roblox is an immersive gaming and creation platform that offers people millions of ways to be together, inviting its community to explore, create and share endless unique experiences. Our vision is to reimagine the way people come together — in a world that's safe, civil, and optimistic. To achieve this vision, we are building an innovative company that, together with the Roblox community, has the ability to strengthen our social fabric and support economic growth for people around the world.

Why Work With Us

Every day, Roblox employees tackle complex questions and drive incredible innovation. Join us in building the future of human connection and communication.

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Roblox Offices

Hybrid Workspace

Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

We are requiring employees to be in the office three days a week – with core days being Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Mondays and Fridays, employees may choose to work remotely, although the office will still be open.

Typical time on-site: 3 days a week
Company Office Image
HQSan Mateo, CA
IN
Learn more

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