Senior Gameplay Engineer

We are creators of the hit survival-fantasy franchise State of Decay with a fan base of over 10 million players. As an independent member of Xbox Game Studios, we collaborate with a huge network of skilled specialists in all disciplines, providing incredible opportunities for joint development and learning.

Undead Labs has an opportunity for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to bring their experience and technical skills to State of Decay 3. The State of Decay franchise has attracted a loyal fanbase of millions of players, and you’ll play a key role in delivering the next installment of our story for them to enjoy.

As a senior member of the team, you will help design architecture, implement quality software for multiple systems, and influence our processes and practices to continually raise our quality bar. Your skills in software development, debugging, design and documenting engineering practices will be critical to your success. You’ll tackle complex software engineering problems, lead by example, and support other engineers through teamwork and mentorship in our shared goal of creating an amazing product.

At Undead Labs, we work in highly collaborative, cross-discipline teams because we understand that the best ideas are ones we generate together. Our studio operates independently as part of a network of first-party Microsoft studios.

Core Responsibilities

• Write, maintain and optimize production-quality C++ code.
• Design and build large, foundational software systems to support the implementation of game mechanics or engine features.
• Work collaboratively with your colleagues to prototype, iterate on, and deliver quality software solutions.
• Apply your knowledge, critical thinking skills, unique perspective and ideas to the production of our games.
• Provide mentorship to other developers and participate in shaping team-wide development practice and standards in order to help the team deliver high quality work.
• Use your expertise to guide your teammates toward best practices in the design and development of features in Unreal Engine.

Basic Qualifications

• Proficient with C++ and software development methodologies.
• Previous experience developing your own code as well as adapting and improving existing code.
• Skilled at long-range planning of software systems.
• A self-starter with the ability to make progress in the face of ambiguity, through appropriate use of consultation, requirements gathering, and planning.
• Ability to communicate effectively across disciplines.
• Have shipped or heavily participated in the development of software in Unreal Engine.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in a software engineering role.
• 3+ years experience working with Unreal Engine.
• Knowledgeable about engineering challenges involving character traversal and combat in complex environments, particularly in a multiplayer environment.
• Experience shipping console games.

Benefits & Perks

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Undead Labs and the state in which you work.

• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance
• Discretionary time off and 18 company holidays & closure days, including 2 weeks off in December
• 401k plan with 50% employer match
• Subsidized transportation (ORCA card or parking pass)
• Discounts on the Microsoft Games store
• Hybrid work environment with up to 2 remote days per week

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $145,000 - 165,000 per year.

The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role (except as noted below); the applicable base range will depend on various factors, such as complexity and responsibility of the role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At Undead Labs, certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases and an annual bonus. These awards are allocated based on individual performance. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with Undead Labs.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Close vision to monitors and screens, consistently working on computer equipment such as keyboards and monitors, long periods of sitting.
• Noise levels are low to moderate in the work environment.

Undead Labs is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.