Senior Engineering Manager, Game Experience

Are you an engineering leader with a passion for building immersive, engaging game experiences that truly connect with players? Imagine shaping the core gameplay loop for a global platform where fitness meets fun, where every ride, run, or race feels vibrant and alive. At Zwift, we're blending the thrill of gaming with the effectiveness of fitness, and we're searching for a Senior Engineering Manager to join our Game Experience (GAMEX) team. This is a fully remote, worldwide opportunity to lead a talented group of engineers, driving innovation from real-time physics and competitive systems to new gamified adventures, all while ensuring seamless performance across diverse platforms. If you thrive on technical challenges, love mentoring high-performing teams, and want to make a tangible impact on how millions experience fitness, we want to talk to you.

Overview

As a Senior Engineering Manager for our Game Experience (GAMEX) team, you will step into a pivotal leadership role. You will directly guide a skilled group of senior engineers dedicated to Zwift's foundational game loop. This includes everything from crafting innovative gamified experiences and robust competitive racing systems to developing realistic real-time physics and extending features across our widely deployed game controller ecosystem. This position demands a strategic thinker who can adeptly navigate technical and product complexities, foster strong collaboration among game designers, product managers, program managers, UX specialists, engineers, and QA. Your ultimate goal will be to ensure our cross-platform C++ features deliver a fun, engaging, and flawlessly performing experience across desktop, mobile, and Apple TV devices. You will artfully balance strategic leadership as a people manager with deep technical stewardship, influencing architectural decisions, championing high engineering quality, and cultivating an environment where engineers flourish, deliver consistently, and avoid burnout.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of senior game engineers.
Drive the technical strategy, architecture, and roadmap for core game features, from concept through live operation.
Ensure the delivery of high-quality, performant, and reliable cross-platform C++ game features across desktop, mobile, and Apple TV.
Foster strong cross-functional partnerships with product management, game design, UX, QA, and program management to align on goals and execution.
Champion engineering best practices, code quality, and technical excellence within the team and across the organization.
Cultivate a supportive and growth-oriented team culture that values predictable delivery, innovation, and sustainable work practices without "crunch."
Actively participate in architectural reviews and provide hands-on technical guidance when necessary.

Requirements

Substantial experience in game engineering, with a significant portion in a leadership or management capacity.
Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop senior software engineers in a fast-paced game development environment.
Deep understanding of the full game development lifecycle, from prototyping to live operations.
Strong technical background in cross-platform C++ development, especially for interactive real-time systems.
Experience with complex game systems such as real-time physics, competitive multiplayer, or sophisticated gameplay mechanics.
Demonstrated ability to navigate technical and product ambiguity, driving clear direction and achieving consensus.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and collaborating effectively across diverse teams.
A strong commitment to delivering exceptional player experiences and fostering an inclusive, productive team culture.

What You'll Gain

The chance to significantly impact the future of connected fitness and interactive gaming for millions worldwide.
Lead a talented, passionate team at the forefront of combining technology, fitness, and entertainment.
Engage with cutting-edge challenges in game development, real-time systems, and cross-platform performance.
Work within a supportive, fully remote environment that prioritizes work-life balance and professional growth.
Contribute to a product that inspires and motivates people globally to achieve their fitness goals.
Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement within a dynamic and innovative company.