Diversity In Action

IGT is seeking a host of engineers

The gaming-machine company is moving toward server-based products and needs software and other engineers to support the transition

The popularity of electronic casino games and online gaming continues to rise, and IGT (formally International Game Technology) is at the forefront of the industry’s product development. “Most of our jobs are in software development and engineering,” says Paul Maack, director of HR/IS at IGT. “We’re looking for software engineers, dot-net development, SQL server and various C++ programmers.”

Last year IGT brought 500 new hires on board, recruiting at career fairs and top computer schools around the country. It also works through Idea, its own internal networking event where employees learn about careers in all parts of the company.

As it hires new employees IGT is working to increase its diversity initiatives. The company’s diversity council is looking at employee outreach and awareness, as well as stepping up its visibility at fairs put on by groups like SHPE, SWE and NSBE.

A major challenge in the gaming business is making sure new games and machines are properly regulated to suit requirements of the specific jurisdiction where they’ll be in use. “The state of Nevada, Indian tribes, specific communities and other states all regulate gaming,” says Maack. “All over the world there are different ideas of what gaming types are legal or not legal.

“We have to make sure our games are set up legally for their jurisdictions. So we have a whole group of people who make sure that happens. We have an e-prom room that is pretty high security.” A gaming machine is essentially a computer, and “at its heart is a processor that has to function perfectly.”

Obviously the games also have to be fun or no one will bother to play them. So the challenge for IGT’s software pros is to seamlessly fold the math, the computer engineering, the graphics, the sound, the creativity and the fun into one package. “That’s what makes IGT a world leader in gaming,” Maack declares.

IGT is now moving toward server-based games, and actively seeking and hiring new software engineers to work on them. These games will allow interaction among various players inside the casino. The systems will do many other things besides, from checking guests into the hotel to offering lavish dinners to big winners.

In addition to its Reno and Las Vegas headquarters, IGT has tech jobs to fill at sales and service offices nationwide. “Wherever there’s a casino, there’s an IGT person helping to maintain the equipment,” Maack explains.

D/C