Senior Unreal Engineer

Job Description

We’re seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to rapidly integrate with our prototyping pre-production team, with a focus on architecting and delivering robust gameplay systems. 

This role requires a combination of leveraging past experience to roll out smart solutions to engineering problems and working with the many systems of Unreal Engine 5 to achieve rapid results.

You will be working with other experienced engineers within the programming team to implement key systems (combat, player activities, multiplayer, crafting, game economy, etc.), ensuring clean, scalable code. You will be able to demonstrate autonomy in architecting such core systems that will drive the game, leveraging past experience where possible and focusing on performance, maintainability, and robustness.

Candidates with 5-7+ years of experience in the industry, including hands-on experience with Unreal Engine and gameplay system architecture, are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in senior or lead roles is highly preferred and we are open to interviewing candidates with substantial experience with no prior experience in senior / management roles, but looking to pursue such aspirations. 

The position is predominantly for UK timezone remote applicants, with a possibility of working on-site from our office in Guildford, Surrey. Depending on fit and experience, candidates from further afield in the world are welcome to apply.

What you will be doing

• Architecting large, scalable gameplay systems for player activities, combat, progression, multiplayer, and more.
• Ability to work autonomously where needed, but also excellent in collaborating with other highly skilled programmers, adhering to best practices and writing clean, maintainable code.
• Working hands-on to build new gameplay systems, prioritizing robustness, flexibility, and performance.
• Working on implementation of gameplay features using C++ and, where appropriate, Blueprints within Unreal Engine 5.
• Collaborating with the gameplay, design and production team to define technical roadmaps, ensuring efficient delivery of gameplay features.
• Performing code reviews and ensuring the overall quality of the game codebase.
• Troubleshooting and optimizing existing systems to improve game performance across platforms.
• Working in a scrum/agile environment, ensuring features and systems are delivered on time and with high quality.

What we will need from you

• 5-7+ years of experience in game development, with a focus on Unreal Engine and gameplay system development.
• At least two shipped titles, preferably with large or open-world gameplay systems.
• Strong software engineering background with expertise in architecting scalable, modular systems.
• Proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, with hands-on experience using C++ and/or Blueprints.
• Experience with Online / Multiplayer / NetCode
• Ability to write clean, maintainable, and high-performance code.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with version control systems (Git, Perforce) and working in agile development environments.

Nice to have

• Experience working on multiplayer or large-scale sandbox games.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 5 specifically.
• Prior experience working with server-side or networked game systems.
• Familiarity with tools like JIRA, Trello, or other project management tools.
• Leadership skills, including experience mentoring, managing, or guiding a team of developers.