Staff Software Engineer, Test & Automation - Teamfight Tactics

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. As Software Engineers, we work with both new and current technology, creating innovative solutions to overcome high-volume obstacles and to deliver player value.

Teamfight Tactics is looking for a Software Engineer III in Test (SDET)  to help scale quality across a complex, fast-moving live game. In this role, you’ll provide technical leadership for quality, owning test strategy and automation for critical gameplay systems while partnering deeply with engineers to improve testability, reliability, and development velocity.

This is a hands-on, embedded role focused on improving testability, expanding automated coverage, and partnering with feature teams to prevent defects rather than just detect them. You’ll move beyond test execution to define how TFT ensures quality at scale as the game grows and changes. 

• Own and evolve TFT’s automated testing strategy for game engine based gameplay systems, engine integrations, and live-service features.
• Architect and maintain robust test frameworks and tooling (C++, game engine, automation framework, CI-integrated solutions).
• Partner with gameplay, engine, and online engineers to design testable systems, influencing architecture and technical decisions early.
• Set expectations and best practices for automation coverage, test quality, and quality signals across the TFT team.
• Identify systemic quality risks (performance, stability, data integrity, live operations) and drive cross-team mitigation plans.
• Lead investigation of high-impact or ambiguous issues, providing deep technical analysis and guiding resolution.
• Use metrics, dashboards, and trend analysis to inform release readiness.
• Mentor and raise the bar for other QA automation engineers.
• Represent TFT quality concerns in cross-team and cross-org discussions.

• 7+ years of experience in software engineering, test automation, or SDET roles, with deep hands-on technical ownership.
• Expert-level programming skills in C++ and strong proficiency in at least one additional language (e.g., Python).
• Significant experience shipping and supporting games engines (like Unreal, Unity, etc) on both PC and mobile, including deep familiarity with gameplay systems, data-driven content, and engine workflows.
• Proven track record of designing and owning test frameworks for large, complex codebases.
• Strong experience integrating automation into CI/CD pipelines and scaling test signal without slowing iteration.
• Demonstrated ability to influence architecture and team behavior through partnership, not authority.
• Excellent debugging, communication, and technical leadership skills.

• Experience with live-service or competitive games, especially those with frequent content updates.
• Familiarity with TFT-specific systems such as combat simulation, traits, augments, item systems, or set-based content pipelines.
• Experience with performance testing, soak testing, or long-running stability validation.
• Prior experience acting as a quality owner for a major system or product area.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
• Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
• Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
• Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.