Senior Director Interactive Engineering

Who are we hiring?

Sphere Entertainment is seeking a Senior Director of Engineering for our Interactive group. You will lead and manage a team of engineers in creating the technology platform for live, location-based games and real time interactive experiences with thousands of concurrent players at Sphere. The candidate will oversee the technology portfolio’s growth, platform development, and prototype creation, ensuring alignment with our vision to deliver next-generation real time interactivity and massively multiplayer experiences in the Sphere. 16K visuals, 60fps performance, 164,000 speaker audio, 20,000 players per shard. A screen the size of three football fields. It’s AAA on a whole new scale – and that’s why you’re here.

What will you do?

• Provide technical leadership and management for the interactive engineering department, ensuring departmental goals are met.
• Balance execution of short-term targets with longer-term technical strategies, leading rapid prototype development and establishing a comprehensive roadmap for Sphere’s real-time interactive capabilities.
• Establish a scalable platform development strategy for interactive games and tools within Sphere’s software ecosystem.
• Oversee developer tool enhancement tailored for Unreal Engine
• Lead the development of scalable multiplayer networking – including matchmaking, real-time communication, and server infrastructure – optimizing performance to tackle latency and synchronization challenges.
• Provide technical direction for game concepts and design, articulating architecture, processes, and technical specifications.
• Implement best practices to enhance development efficiency, leveraging current and emerging technology solutions.
• Direct, mentor, and nurture the Interactive engineering team, defining clear goals, driving performance, and promoting professional development.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams, external partners, and vendors.
• Manage staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation efficiently. Work with project managers and engineering leads to optimize resource distribution and focus across multiple projects.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication regarding development progress, team management, and engineering tasks.
• Present updates and insights to executives and stakeholders periodically.
• Foster an inclusive environment that encourages team contribution to outcomes.

What do you need to succeed?

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in software or game development is required, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• A strong portfolio with AAA multiplayer console or PC games; mobile game development is an added advantage.
• Deep practical experience in traditional game development pipelines and methodologies.
• Significant experience in developing, customizing, and extending Unreal Engine.
• Strong background in C++ software development
• Proficiency in networking protocols and technologies, including client-server architecture, UDP/TCP, and real-time communication.
• Appetite for technical innovation and experimentation. Proven capability in the design, construction, and enhancement of technology platforms over time.
• Excellent communication and team management skills
• Committed to collaborative working environments, iterative design and development approaches. Passion for collaborating across the entire organization.
• A track record of gaining trust and respect by consistently demonstrating sound technical, creative, strategic, and analytical thinking skills, while maintaining composure in stressful situations.
• Experience managing hybrid in-person and remote teams.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD processes.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires an advanced understanding of the requirements for designing technology for massive scale with thousands of users.
• Experience with VR/AR/MR, Live Events and/or Location-Based Experiences

Why is MSG for me?

Sphere Entertainment Co. is a premier live entertainment and media company. The Company includes Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of entertainment. The first Sphere venue is currently under construction in Las Vegas. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a companion streaming service, MSG GO, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at www.sphereentertainmentco.com.

We focus on Career Development and Invest in YOU

At MSG, we recognize the importance of upskilling employees’ talents and strengths so they can drive their careers forward. We are proud to offer a robust set of tools and resources to help employees understand their interests and purpose, harness their talents and obtain the skills they need to reach the next step in their careers. Growth and longevity for our employees are top priorities here.

We value diversity and are looking for extraordinary employees of all backgrounds

At MSG we value diversity and are looking for extraordinary employees of all backgrounds! MSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health choices, national origin, citizenship, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law mandates, MSG complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in all locations and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required.

Sphere Entertainment Co.