Lead Gameplay Programmer

Playdawn; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 312,000 - 441,000; Full time

Job summary

A game development company is seeking a Lead Gameplay Programmer with strong expertise in Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5). This senior role involves leading a team to develop and optimize core gameplay systems for high-quality AAA titles. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience, with excellent C++ skills and a proven track record in shipping gameplay systems. This position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for growth in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Long-term growth opportunities

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in gameplay programming required.
• 3+ years in a senior or lead gameplay programming role.
• Proven experience shipping gameplay systems in live titles.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of gameplay programmers and define coding standards.
• Design and optimize gameplay mechanics, AI behaviors, and feature modules.
• Ensure stability and quality of gameplay systems.

Skills

C++

Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5)

Gameplay systems design

Leadership

Performance optimization

Job description

Role Summary

We are looking for an experienced Lead Gameplay Programmer with strong expertise in Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5) and gameplay systems design. This role is responsible for leading the development of core gameplay mechanics, player controls, systems architecture, and game features for a high-quality AAA game project.

This is a senior leadership role with clear ownership of gameplay feel, responsiveness, and depth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and guide a team of gameplay programmers.
• Define coding standards, best practices, and gameplay architecture.
• Work closely with game designers to turn creative ideas into solid, scalable gameplay systems.

2. Core Gameplay Development

• Design, build, and optimize gameplay mechanics, player systems, match logic, AI behaviors, and feature modules.
• Develop responsive player controls, camera systems, physics-based interactions, and gameplay frameworks.
• Create modular and reusable systems that support fast iteration and live updates.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design, Animation, Tech Art, VFX, Engine, and QA teams.
• Integrate gameplay systems with animation blueprints, UI, networking layers, and engine-level features.
• Provide technical input during planning, prototyping, and production phases.

4. Performance, Stability & Quality

• Ensure gameplay systems are stable, scalable, and easy to maintain.
• Lead debugging efforts, performance reviews, and code quality checks throughout development.

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in gameplay programming.
• 3+ years in a senior or lead gameplay programming role.
• Expert-level C++ skills with deep knowledge of Unreal Engine gameplay frameworks (UE4/UE5).
• Proven experience shipping gameplay systems in live titles (mobile, PC, or console).
• Strong understanding of:
• Character movement and control systems
• Animation integration
• Physics-based gameplay
• Strong experience working with designers to turn specs into polished gameplay.
• Deep knowledge of performance optimization, debugging, and profiling tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with multiplayer gameplay systems or networked logic.
• Background in sports games or character-driven, physics-heavy gameplay.
• Familiarity with AI behavior trees, animation state machines, or ability systems.
• Prior experience working on AAA or large-scale game productions.

Why This Role

• Lead gameplay development for a next-generation AAA Unreal Engine project.
• High ownership and direct impact on core gameplay, controls, and player experience.
• Work in a highly collaborative environment where engineering quality and design excellence matter.
• Competitive compensation and long-term growth opportunities.

Please note: This position is for one of Playdawn's clients, and successful candidates will be hired directly by the client, not by Playdawn.

Our client is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. They are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. They believe that diversity fuels innovation and creativity, and they strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to shared success.