Bob Rost
Principal Software Engineer in Seattle, WA
Who I Am

I'm a Seattle-based principal software engineer and tech lead with 25+ years of experience, and I still get excited solving hard problems and building things that people actually enjoy using. I care deeply about the human factors of computing, including accessibility and equity, and I believe the best ideas come from diverse empowered voices.

My career has included time at Meta, Amazon, and several startups, with skills covering:

  • Game Development
  • XR
  • Client and Server Systems
  • Accessibility
  • Web
  • Audio
  • High Performance
  • Creative Tech
  • R&D and Prototyping

Most recently, I've been at Meta Reality Labs Research working on haptics research for XR, building expressive interactions, and the low-latency physical modeling systems and device drivers behind them, to create experiences that feel great to use and improve XR interaction.

I'm the kind of teammate who will bring snacks, draw topic-relevant comics on Post-its in meetings, and play bagpipes at team parties.

Open to Opportunities

As of April 2025, I am leaving Meta and am now open to new opportunities.

I'm looking for:

  • Remote-first or Seattle-based roles
  • Creative problem solving and technical depth
  • Highly-competitive compensation

Focus areas include:

  • Game Development
  • Client-side software (desktop, mobile, web, or console)
  • Finance / HFT
  • High performance computing
  • AI/ML-powered user experiences

I value a workplace filled with kindness, curiosity, and collaboration, and I do my best work with teams that balance technical depth with a sense of humor and purpose. I'm especially drawn to companies that invest in accessibility, inclusivity, and building with empathy.

Recruiters, please contact me via LinkedIn or Email

Skills and Experience

Programming Languages:

  • C++
  • Typescript / Javascript
  • HTML / CSS
  • C#
  • PHP
  • Python
  • Java

Platforms:

  • Web
  • Windows
  • Mac / iOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • Microcontrollers
  • Haiku OS
  • NES

Game Engines:

  • Unreal
  • Unity
  • Open 3D Engine (Amazon Lumberyard)
  • Multiple custom game engines

Software Development Strengths:

  • Software Architecture
  • UI / UX development
  • Accessibility
  • Input Systems
  • Interaction Design
  • Game Design
  • Networking
  • Gameplay
  • Data structures and Algorithms
  • Application Development
  • R&D Prototyping
  • Creative Problem Solving

Soft Skills:

  • Team Leadership
  • Mentoring
  • Communication
  • Documentation
  • Comic Illustration (often for my kids!)
  • Bagpiping (ask me about it)
  • Skateboarding (I'm working on it)

Get in Touch!

If you're a recruiter or hiring manager and believe I may be a good fit for a position you're trying to fill, I'd love to hear from you.