Principal Software Engineer Jobs in San Mateo, CA
Principal Software Engineer jobs in San Mateo are in strong demand, concentrated in the downtown core, the Bay Meadows tech corridor, and the Hillsdale district, across fintech, SaaS, and digital health. Employers hiring right now include Roblox and Zynga. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 44+ Principal Software Engineer jobs
Level Up Your Career with Zynga!
At Zynga, we bring people together through the power of play. As a global leader in interactive entertainment and a proud label of Take-Two Interactive, our games have been downloaded over 6 billion times—connecting players in 175+ countries through fun, strategy, and a little friendly competition.
From thrilling casino spins to epic strategy battles, mind-bending puzzles, and social word challenges, our diverse game portfolio has something for everyone. Fan-favorites and latest hits include FarmVille™, Words With Friends™, Zynga Poker™, Game of Thrones Slots Casino™, Wizard of Oz Slots™, Hit it Rich! Slots™, Wonka Slots™, Top Eleven™, Toon Blast™, Empires & Puzzles™, Merge Dragons!™, CSR Racing™, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells™, Match Factory™, and Color Block Jam™—plus many more!
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in California, our teams span North America, Europe, and Asia, working together to craft unforgettable gaming experiences. Whether you're spinning, strategizing, matching, or competing, Zynga is where fun meets innovation—and where you can take your career to the next level.
Join us and be part of the play!
POSITION OVERVIEW
Zynga is seeking a Full Stack Engineer (Backend-focused) in the Austin, San Mateo, or Toronto areas, with a specific focus on candidates who have a level of experience equivalent to that of a Principal Software Engineer.
We have a well-rounded and tight-knit, distributed team with a healthy mix of engineering skill levels, and we are looking to strengthen our team. We need a self-driven and motivated engineer who is a strong communicator, works well as a team player, and performs well under the pressure of tight deadlines. The candidate would have an opportunity to work on user-facing features (including UI / UX), core gameplay functionality, various systems, and generally solve challenging problems for high-profile mobile games. On the backend, our servers and APIs support the mobile games that tens of millions of users enjoy every day. We support some of the world's largest mobile games on some of the world's largest infrastructures. Our servers and APIs help the mobile games that tens of millions of users enjoy every day, including Words With Friends. As a Full Stack Software Engineer, you'll develop and architect critical game components and systems that directly relate to the success of our games.
Our mission is to "Connect the World through Games" by building a truly social experience that makes the world a better place. To be successful in this role you will have a passion for games, a high level of integrity, great technical depth and skills, and a strong desire to build successful software. Don't hesitate; Apply now!
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Full Stack Software Engineer specializing in server-side technologies like C# and Ruby on Rails, driving cloud infrastructure on AWS, while also supporting Unity front-end features and DevOps execution.
Individual Contributor, working under a Technical Lead / Manager.
Define, architect, develop & maintain features and gameplay functionality in RoR, C# on the backend, and Unity, C# on the front end.
Support live-ops and deployments on a rotational basis.
Develop robust and scalable APIs and server-side logic using languages such as C# or Ruby on Rails.
Design and implement database schemas and manage data storage solutions (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).
Deploy and maintain applications on cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Write unit and integration tests to ensure code quality and perform thorough debugging.
Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and share knowledge with other team members.
Proactively optimize code & memory for high-performance simulations with tight constraints.
Develop & integrate new technologies and tools (working with content teams).
Work closely with product managers, designers, and other engineers to understand requirements and deliver solutions.
Create and maintain clear and concise technical documentation.
Identify and address performance bottlenecks in both front-end and back-end systems.
Mentor junior engineers and guide best practices and technical solutions.
Participate in technical design discussions and contribute to architectural decisions.
Identify opportunities to improve the team's development processes and workflows.
WHAT YOU BRING
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field.
5+ years of experience in full-stack development with the majority of the focus on server-side development.
Expert knowledge of at least one of the server-side languages such as C#.NET, Node.js, Python, Java, or Ruby on Rails.
Experience with database systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).
Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Proficiency in at least one modern frontend framework (React, Angular, Vue.js, Unity etc).
Expertise in caching frameworks (e.g., Redis, Memcached).
Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software design principles.
Proficient with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
Expertise with CI/CD pipelines.
Experience with performance monitoring tools.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
Experience with Agile development methodologies.
BONUS POINTS
Contributions to open-source projects.
Experience leading small technical projects.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
Zynga offers a world-class benefits package that helps support and balance the needs of our teams. To find out more about our benefits, visit the Zynga Benefits site.
The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $133,900 and $183,900 USD per year.
The pay range for this position in Ontario at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,300 and $164,300 CAD per year.
However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The use of artificial intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
#LI-Hybrid
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, which means we are committed to creating and celebrating diverse thoughts, cultures, and backgrounds throughout our organization. Employment with us is based on substantive ability, objective qualifications, and work ethic – not an individual's race, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sex offenses, reproductive health decision, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing the necessary support and accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, health conditions, or impairments (subject to any local qualifying requirements) to ensure their full participation in the job application or interview process. Please contact us at accommodationrequest@zynga.com to request any accommodations or for support related to your application for an open position.
Please be aware that Zynga does not conduct job interviews or make job offers over third-party messaging apps such as Telegram, WhatsApp, or others. Zynga also does not engage in any financial exchanges during the recruitment or onboarding process, and will never ask a candidate for their personal or financial information over an app or other unofficial chat channel. Any attempt to do so may be the result of a scamp or phishing attack, and you should not engage. Zynga's in-house recruitment team will only contact individuals through their official Company email addresses (i.e., via a zynga.com, take2games.com, naturalmotion.com, smallgiantgames.com, themavens.com, gram.gs email domain).
Level Up Your Career with Zynga!
At Zynga, we bring people together through the power of play. As a global leader in interactive entertainment and a proud label of Take-Two Interactive, our games have been downloaded over 6 billion times—connecting players in 175+ countries through fun, strategy, and a little friendly competition.
From thrilling casino spins to epic strategy battles, mind-bending puzzles, and social word challenges, our diverse game portfolio has something for everyone. Fan-favorites and latest hits include FarmVille™, Words With Friends™, Zynga Poker™, Game of Thrones Slots Casino™, Wizard of Oz Slots™, Hit it Rich! Slots™, Wonka Slots™, Top Eleven™, Toon Blast™, Empires & Puzzles™, Merge Dragons!™, CSR Racing™, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells™, Match Factory™, and Color Block Jam™—plus many more!
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in California, our teams span North America, Europe, and Asia, working together to craft unforgettable gaming experiences. Whether you're spinning, strategizing, matching, or competing, Zynga is where fun meets innovation—and where you can take your career to the next level.
Join us and be part of the play!
POSITION OVERVIEW
Zynga is seeking a Full Stack Engineer (Backend-focused) in the Austin, San Mateo, or Toronto areas, with a specific focus on candidates who have a level of experience equivalent to that of a Principal Software Engineer.
We have a well-rounded and tight-knit, distributed team with a healthy mix of engineering skill levels, and we are looking to strengthen our team. We need a self-driven and motivated engineer who is a strong communicator, works well as a team player, and performs well under the pressure of tight deadlines. The candidate would have an opportunity to work on user-facing features (including UI / UX), core gameplay functionality, various systems, and generally solve challenging problems for high-profile mobile games. On the backend, our servers and APIs support the mobile games that tens of millions of users enjoy every day. We support some of the world's largest mobile games on some of the world's largest infrastructures. Our servers and APIs help the mobile games that tens of millions of users enjoy every day, including Words With Friends. As a Full Stack Software Engineer, you'll develop and architect critical game components and systems that directly relate to the success of our games.
Our mission is to "Connect the World through Games" by building a truly social experience that makes the world a better place. To be successful in this role you will have a passion for games, a high level of integrity, great technical depth and skills, and a strong desire to build successful software. Don't hesitate; Apply now!
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Full Stack Software Engineer specializing in server-side technologies like C# and Ruby on Rails, driving cloud infrastructure on AWS, while also supporting Unity front-end features and DevOps execution.
Individual Contributor, working under a Technical Lead / Manager.
Define, architect, develop & maintain features and gameplay functionality in RoR, C# on the backend, and Unity, C# on the front end.
Support live-ops and deployments on a rotational basis.
Develop robust and scalable APIs and server-side logic using languages such as C# or Ruby on Rails.
Design and implement database schemas and manage data storage solutions (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).
Deploy and maintain applications on cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Write unit and integration tests to ensure code quality and perform thorough debugging.
Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and share knowledge with other team members.
Proactively optimize code & memory for high-performance simulations with tight constraints.
Develop & integrate new technologies and tools (working with content teams).
Work closely with product managers, designers, and other engineers to understand requirements and deliver solutions.
Create and maintain clear and concise technical documentation.
Identify and address performance bottlenecks in both front-end and back-end systems.
Mentor junior engineers and guide best practices and technical solutions.
Participate in technical design discussions and contribute to architectural decisions.
Identify opportunities to improve the team's development processes and workflows.
WHAT YOU BRING
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field.
5+ years of experience in full-stack development with the majority of the focus on server-side development.
Expert knowledge of at least one of the server-side languages such as C#.NET, Node.js, Python, Java, or Ruby on Rails.
Experience with database systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).
Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Proficiency in at least one modern frontend framework (React, Angular, Vue.js, Unity etc).
Expertise in caching frameworks (e.g., Redis, Memcached).
Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software design principles.
Proficient with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
Expertise with CI/CD pipelines.
Experience with performance monitoring tools.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
Experience with Agile development methodologies.
BONUS POINTS
Contributions to open-source projects.
Experience leading small technical projects.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
Zynga offers a world-class benefits package that helps support and balance the needs of our teams. To find out more about our benefits, visit the Zynga Benefits site.
The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $133,900 and $183,900 USD per year.
The pay range for this position in Ontario at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,300 and $164,300 CAD per year.
However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The use of artificial intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
#LI-Hybrid
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, which means we are committed to creating and celebrating diverse thoughts, cultures, and backgrounds throughout our organization. Employment with us is based on substantive ability, objective qualifications, and work ethic – not an individual's race, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sex offenses, reproductive health decision, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing the necessary support and accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, health conditions, or impairments (subject to any local qualifying requirements) to ensure their full participation in the job application or interview process. Please contact us at accommodationrequest@zynga.com to request any accommodations or for support related to your application for an open position.
Please be aware that Zynga does not conduct job interviews or make job offers over third-party messaging apps such as Telegram, WhatsApp, or others. Zynga also does not engage in any financial exchanges during the recruitment or onboarding process, and will never ask a candidate for their personal or financial information over an app or other unofficial chat channel. Any attempt to do so may be the result of a scamp or phishing attack, and you should not engage. Zynga's in-house recruitment team will only contact individuals through their official Company email addresses (i.e., via a zynga.com, take2games.com, naturalmotion.com, smallgiantgames.com, themavens.com, gram.gs email domain).
See All 44 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in San Mateo
Find roles in San Mateo that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Job Market in San Mateo
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Gaming & Esports
Principal Software Engineer Jobs in San Mateo: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a principal software engineer job in San Mateo?
Focus on San Mateo's dominant hiring sectors: fintech platforms, SaaS companies, and digital health firms clustered in the Bay Meadows corridor and downtown. Employers here weight distributed systems experience, technical leadership, and cross-functional delivery heavily. Candidates who can demonstrate staff-level architecture decisions and mentorship of senior engineers stand out. Networking through Peninsula tech meetups and directly targeting Series B through public-stage companies headquartered in San Mateo sharpens your odds considerably.
Which companies hire principal software engineers in San Mateo?
San Mateo principal software engineer roles are posted by Roblox and Zynga and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Mateo draws a mix of publicly traded tech companies, mid-stage startups, and financial technology firms that consistently recruit at the principal and staff engineering level.
Are there remote principal software engineer jobs in San Mateo?
Yes, though availability depends on the employer. Principal software engineer roles skew more remote-friendly than hands-on engineering positions because the work centers on architecture, code review, and cross-team coordination rather than on-site lab or hardware work. About 62% of principal software engineer openings tied to San Mateo are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. The fully remote share tends to be highest at SaaS and fintech employers headquartered in San Mateo.
How can I get a principal software engineer job in San Mateo with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is targeting senior software engineer roles at San Mateo's mid-size SaaS or fintech companies, where the distance between senior and principal levels is shorter and promotion timelines faster than at large enterprises. Contributing to projects with measurable architectural scope, stepping into informal tech lead responsibilities, and building a portfolio of system design decisions helps close the gap. Entry-level engineers can also look at associate or software engineer II roles at San Mateo companies with strong internal promotion cultures.
Which industries hire the most principal software engineers in San Mateo?
The sectors hiring the most principal software engineers in San Mateo are Technology & Software and Gaming & Esports, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Mateo's concentration of fintech headquarters, SaaS platforms, and digital health companies creates steady demand for engineering leadership at the principal level across those verticals.
Related Jobs in California
See All 44 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in San Mateo
Find roles in San Mateo that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs