by Emilie Skaug
Roku developers are in charge of leading the design and development for streaming platforms and crafting viewing experiences for a wide audience.
The employment rate for software developers (which includes those who work with Roku) is projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This is faster than the average for all occupations, meaning that this role is expected to continue growing in demand. And with how popular streaming services are—and Roku being the leading internet TV platform, that’s no surprise.
If you’re looking to hire a Roku developer, this article will help you out! We’ll get into the details of what to include in your job description to find quality talent.
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What Does a Roku Developer Do?
A Roku developer designs, develops, and maintains high-quality applications for the Roku TV platform. They use the programming languages SceneGraph and BrightScript to create channels that work for smart TVs.
Roku TVs are built specifically for streaming, which means developers can seamlessly build intuitive streaming applications that are designed especially for the TV.
How to Write a Roku Developer Job Description
When it comes to writing a job description, it’s important to clearly define the daily expectations and duties of a Roku developer so you can attract the right talent.
A well-written job description should also include the pay range, benefits, and other qualifications needed to be a good fit for the role. Let’s take a look at some important responsibilities and skills that you may want to include in your job description.
Job Duties
Roku developers will have to perform certain responsibilities on a daily basis to ensure applications are running smoothly. Individuals in this role are usually responsible for:
- Building client app experiences
- Developing new application features to improve UI/UX experiences
- Working with Roku to vet new hardware, firmware, and certification requirements
- Handling software updates to align with Roku OS changes
- Monitoring app performance and resolving any issues
- Providing technical expertise in scripting languages with a focus on front-end design and application performance
Skills and Qualifications
When hiring a Roku developer, be on the lookout for these skills:
- Proven experience developing Roku BrightScript applications
- Knowledge of Roku’s SceneGraph framework
- Familiarity with video encoding and streaming formats
- Ability to debug, optimize, and enhance existing Roku applications
- Knowledge of web services and API integrations
- Proficiency in front-end and UX design principles
Candidates for this role typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They should also have prior development experience, and it’s a bonus if they’ve worked with development tools such as JavaScript, DevOps, Jenkins, and AWS.
Pay
A Roku developer’s pay can vary depending on location, education level, and years of experience. The average base pay for these professionals is $122,422 per year, though the pay range falls anywhere from $84,500 to $178,000 according to ZipRecruiter.
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Interview Questions for Candidates
To make sure you find a candidate with the experience you need, ask interview questions that target their prior experience and knowledge of the industry and role. Here’s a couple to get started:
- Can you explain the role of SceneGraph in Roku application development?
- How do you handle memory management in a Roku application?
- Provide an example of a custom Roku UI component you’ve created.
- How do you optimize a Roku channel for faster loading and improved performance?
- Describe a situation where you faced a challenging bug in a Roku channel and how you approached debugging and resolving it.
- How do you keep up to date with changes in the Roku platform and best practices in Roku development?
Find Qualified Candidates
Hiring a Roku developer can help you create your own streaming platform for smart TVs or optimize current applications you’ve already created. Insight Global can help you find the best fit for your team.
Reach out to us today to start sourcing quality talent and expand your team with efficiency!
by Anna Morelock 
