Lead Gameplay Software Engineer

22 Minutes ago • 10 Years + • Game Design

About the job

Job Description

Lead Gameplay Software Engineer needed for a newly-formed studio comprised of industry veterans. This role involves technical leadership of unique gameplay experiences in a brand-new IP. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining high-quality gameplay code in UE5 (C++), facilitating cross-functional collaboration, shaping new processes, driving technical innovation in gameplay mechanics, debugging, optimizing, and ensuring game stability. The role also includes managing up to five gameplay engineers, providing technical leadership, and mentoring less experienced team members. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in gameplay programming, with at least two shipped AAA titles and 3 years of management experience.
Must have:
  • 10+ years gameplay programming experience
  • 2+ shipped AAA games
  • 3+ years management experience
  • Strong C++ and OOP knowledge
  • UE5 experience
  • Cross-functional collaboration skills
Good to have:
  • Experience with game AI, navigation, camera, player controls
  • Strong game design sensibilities
  • Understanding of modern console hardware architecture

About the Studio

The opportunity of a lifetime! Join an exciting, newly-formed studio that is comprised of industry veterans responsible for one of gaming’s most acclaimed video game series ever. Harbouring an inclusive, diverse development environment in one of Canada’s most prominent gaming hubs, this new gathering of minds will surely take the industry by storm in the coming years.

Ready to make history in gaming?

Responsibilities and Requirements

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Gameplay Software Engineer who is not afraid to rethink the status quo. This is a rare opportunity to work on a brand-new IP with a small team of dreamers, achievers and pioneers.

In this role, you will provide technical leadership of unique gameplay experiences. This is ideal for someone who has contributed to a wide set of gameplay features and is driven to innovate.  A strong candidate will have experience leading cross-functional development of features from concept to ship involving core mechanics, navigation, camera, player and character controls. They are crafty and content in figuring out the quickest route to unblock themselves and their teammates.

We're looking for a dynamic, innovative individual who can seamlessly transition between code and design, engage in productive dialogue and is adept at collaborating with a cross-functional team. If you have a passion for creating a narrative-driven, AAA game that our audience will love, a keen eye for excellence, and the technical expertise to pop open the hood and get the best out of Unreal Engine 5, we would love to hear from you.

  • Develop and maintain high-quality, efficient gameplay code in UE5 using C++.
  • Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration to implement, refine, and deliver unique gameplay features.
  • Shape new processes and drive initiatives that improve the state of gameplay technology at the studio
  • Drives technical initiatives that innovate in the design and implementation of gameplay mechanics, traversal, character, camera, AI, player navigation and controls.
  • Help debug, optimize, and ensure the stability of the game.
  • Manage up to five gameplay engineers, provide technical leadership and help mentor less experienced team members.

About You

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • At least 10 years of experience in gameplay programming and at least two shipped AAA games.
  • At least 3 years of management experience including hiring, reviews, career development, coaching and mentoring
  • Strong knowledge of C++ and object-oriented programming.
  • Comfortable setting up and maintaining a development environment.
  • Proven experience in at least two of the following: core gameplay mechanics, navigation, game AI, camera, player or character controls.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and excels at collaborating with team members.

Desirable bonus skills include the following:

  • Experience working with Unreal Engine, with prior UE4+ experience highly desirable.
  • Strong game design sensibilities and experience working closely with game designers on either gameplay mechanics or character, camera and controls
  • Demonstrated understanding of how to work on modern console hardware architecture including multi-threaded job systems, memory management and performance targets.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a self-directed manner.
  • Portfolio of previous projects showing a range of experience

About Us

At Haptic, we know that people-first recruitment is fundamental to our success. We work closely with talented candidates and innovative studios to offer the best opportunities and build the most promising teams.

Operating on the belief that a studio’s strength comes from the team they build to bring their ideas to life, we are committed to assembling the most talented, diverse game makers.

As part of this pledge, whenever you apply for a job with us, one of our specialist recruiters will support you through each stage. From introductions and interviews to accepting an offer and submitting your resignation, we’re always here to help.

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About The Company

Created in 2018, Haptic was established as a gaming recruitment agency that wanted to do things differently.

But, what does that actually mean?

Each consultant that works at Haptic knows that a studio is not only about their games,
but their culture, passion, and ideas.

This enables us to provide a specialist service that is rooted in care, knowledge, and trust. That makes us pretty great at what we do!

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