Senior Software Engineer (Server)

Our Linden Lab headquarters is in San Francisco, but we have embraced a distributed model of working to reach the best talent across the United States. Remote roles based outside of our office can sit in any of the following 16 states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MA, MN, MT, NH, NC, OR, PA TX, VA and WA. We invite you to apply if you are able to live and work full-time in one of the states listed above. State locations and specifics are subject to change as our hiring requirements shift.

Company Snapshot

Founded in 1999, Linden Lab develops platforms that empower people to create, share, and thrive within virtual experiences.

In 2003, Linden Lab first launched Second Life, the groundbreaking virtual world enjoyed by millions around the globe, which has since gone on to boast nearly two billion user creations and a vibrant $500 million (USD) economy.

Lindens value a workplace that's as diverse as our products. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to building a company that is rooted in organizational health, strengths-based leadership, and the belief that teams are stronger than individuals.

If you want access to the forefront of virtual words and payment platforms that support the creator economy, this is the place for you. We've created space for everyone to find belonging and invite you to come as you are.

Role Overview

We are looking for aSenior Software Engineer (Server) to join Second Life's Server team and help develop the persistent real time simulation software and supporting services behind one of the world's most long-lived and rich virtual worlds.

This is an independent contributor role, reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering (Server) of Second Life. In this role, you will create new features and improve core functionality of the platform, taking projects through their full lifecycle, from idea to release and help maintain them afterwards. As part of this work you will be expected to frequently collaborate in-world with users to ensure the team delivers projects that matter and are relevant to what residents need and will have the opportunity to work with a broad range of web, networking and simulation technology.

What We'll Offer You

The stability of an established company with new startup momentum. An unparalleled opportunity to create relationships, systems, strategy and culture. An environment where your voice will be heard and your impact deeply felt. A sense of belonging where your work is appreciated and rewarded.

Second Life's huge, persistently simulated virtual topography runs 24/7. You will have opportunities to work on unique engineering problems that cannot be found anywhere else and that meaningfully impact the lives of millions of residents. You will also be given the time and support needed to grow your skills and knowledge.

What We'll Create Together

• Performant, modern backend services
• Exciting new features for Second Life
• Improvements to existing systems' stability, testability and code quality
• New in-world scripting behavior
• Performance improvements to demanding applications
• Collaborate with multiple teams, including product and QA, to ship ambitious new functionality

What You'll Bring to the Team

At Linden, we celebrate all the dimensions of diversity, including diversity of experience. We recognize that candidates applying for this role will be most successful if they bring the following with them:

• 5+ years of experience as a Software Engineer with client/server architecture and networking
• Experience with C/C++ and managed languages like Python
• A bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience
• Skilled with relational databases such as MySQL/PostgreSQL
• Experience developing for and deploying software to cloud-hosting platforms such as AWS
• Fascination with and passion for virtual worlds, sandboxes, user generated content
• Aptitude for thinking creatively and solving complex and often wholly novel technical problems
• Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation and respond to production incidents
• Knowledge of code instrumentation and using metrics, monitoring and telemetry
• Experience with large, complex codebases with challenging workflow requirements
• An avid interest in building tools for others to use over prescriptive experiences
• An interest in using Second Life and communicating with residents as part of your role

If you feel like you don't meet all of the requirements for this role, we encourage you to apply anyway. The confidence gap and imposter syndrome can sometimes get in the way of meeting incredible candidates and we don't want it to get in the way of meeting you. We encourage you to reach out if you have belief in our mission and your own ability to contribute to our team!

The Fine Print

Work Environment & Physical Demands

As a remote-first company, we take great care to ensure an inclusive experience for all of our employees. You may be offered the opportunity to travel to company meetings and events, however this is not a requirement. We aim to optimize for remote attendance, not just accommodate it.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use the computer and communicate with coworkers in a remote office environment. The employee frequently is required to stand or sit to complete work and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The Company celebrates diversity of thought, race, national origin and culture, age, experience, religion, economic and social status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability status. Building a culture of inclusion and belonging allows us to create and share experiences with each other, and with our virtual communities. We always seek to maintain a diverse and welcoming workplace, and candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.