Senior Software Engineer

Teamwork makes the stream work.

Roku is changing how the world watches TV

Roku is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and we've set our sights on powering every television in the world. Roku pioneered streaming to the TV. Our mission is to be the TV streaming platform that connects the entire TV ecosystem. We connect consumers to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers unique capabilities to engage consumers.

From your first day at Roku, you'll make a valuable - and valued - contribution. We're a fast-growing public company where no one is a bystander. We offer you the opportunity to delight millions of TV streamers around the world while gaining meaningful experience across a variety of disciplines.

About the team

At Roku, the UI Systems team builds the high-performance engines and core graphics infrastructure that power millions of devices. We own the low-level C++ frameworks, rendering pipelines, and system architectures that enable smooth navigation and rich animations. Our work sits at the intersection of hardware and software, where we optimize graphics rendering, memory management, and layout engines to ensure a consistent, lightning-fast experience across our entire device portfolio. We operate in a collaborative, high-trust environment, partnering closely with firmware and silicon teams to push the boundaries of what’s possible on embedded hardware.

About the role

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will be a key architect of the core systems that underpin Roku’s user experience. You will design and implement performance-critical code within our UI engine, focusing on graphics primitives, memory efficiency, and hardware acceleration. You’ll tackle complex systems-level challenges—such as optimizing frame rates on resource-constrained hardware and building robust APIs for higher-level frameworks. This role is ideal for engineers who thrive on low-level systems programming, care about performance down to the microsecond, and want to build the high-performance foundations that power the future of television.

What you’ll be doing

• Architect and optimize core C++ UI frameworks and rendering engines to ensure buttery-smooth performance across a diverse range of hardware profiles.
• Lead technical investigations into system-level bottlenecks, memory leaks, and GPU/CPU synchronization issues.
• Develop and maintain low-level graphics APIs and layout systems that serve as the backbone for Roku’s application ecosystem.
• Integrate AI/ML capabilities at the systems level, leveraging generative AI tools to optimize code generation and automate performance profiling.
• Collaborate with firmware and driver teams to leverage hardware-specific optimizations and ensure seamless integration with the underlying OS.
• Mentor junior developers through deep-dive code reviews, architectural design sessions, and technical documentation of core systems.
• Drive engineering excellence by implementing advanced debugging tools, automated performance regression suites, and modern C++ best practices.

We’re excited if you have

• Minimum of 5+ years of software engineering experience with a heavy focus on C++ (C++14/17/20).
• Deep understanding of systems programming, including memory management, multi-threading, and hardware-software abstraction layers.
• Experience with graphics APIs (e.g., OpenGL, Vulkan, or proprietary embedded graphics stacks) and rendering pipelines.
• Proficiency in Python for tooling and automation, with a working knowledge of BrightScript or JavaScript being a significant plus.
• Strong root cause analysis skills, specifically using tools like GDB, Valgrind, or platform-specific profilers.
• Knowledge of AI applications and hands-on experience using generative AI tools to accelerate systems-level development.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for squeezing every drop of performance out of embedded systems and a commitment to data-driven optimization.

What's Roku's approach to hybrid working?

Roku fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment where teams generally work in the office Monday through Thursday. Fridays are generally flexible for remote work, except for employees whose specific roles or assigned office location require five days' a week attendance.

What are some of the benefits?

Roku is committed to offering a diverse range of benefits as part of our compensation package to support our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefits include global access to mental health and financial wellness support and resources. Local benefits include statutory and voluntary benefits which may include healthcare (medical, dental, and vision), life, accident, disability, commuter, and retirement options (401(k)/pension). Employees are supported in taking time off, in accordance with local leave policies and other personal needs to support their evolving work and life needs. It's important to note that not every benefit is available in all locations or for every role. For details specific to your location, please consult with your recruiter.

Accommodations

Roku welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and provides reasonable accommodations and adjustments in accordance with applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation at any point in the hiring process, please direct your inquiries to  

What should I know about Roku's culture?

Roku is a great place for people who want to work in a fast-paced environment where everyone is focused on the company's success rather than their own. We try to surround ourselves with people who are great at their jobs, who are easy to work with, and who keep their egos in check. We appreciate a sense of humor. We believe a fewer number of very talented folks can do more for less cost than a larger number of less talented teams. We're independent thinkers with big ideas who act boldly, move fast and accomplish extraordinary things through collaboration and trust. In short, at Roku you'll be part of a company that's changing how the world watches TV. 

We have a unique culture that we are proud of. We think of ourselves primarily as problem-solvers, which itself is a two-part idea. We come up with the solution, but the solution isn't real until it is built and delivered to the customer. That penchant for action gives us a pragmatic approach to innovation, one that has served us well since 2002. 

To learn more about Roku, our global footprint, and how we've grown, visit https://www.weareroku.com/factsheet.

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