Anti-Cheat Programmer

Massive; Montreal; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

March of Giants is seeking a security-minded engineer to join our anti-cheat team in Montreal. You will design and implement core anti-cheat technologies directly inside the game engine, focusing on code hardening, client security, and seamless integration with Ubisoft online services.

You will analyze cheats with security researchers, apply Windows internals knowledge, and collaborate across teams to build robust detection methods and high-performance protections while maintaining a smooth

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering or equivalent.
• Hacker mindset: curious and capable of understanding how things work and how they can be broken.
• Security expertise: cybersecurity, vulnerability analysis, or similar field; knowledge of game protection technologies valued.
• Strong C++ skills with understanding of low-level systems, multi-threading, and memory management.
• Windows internals knowledge: architecture, APIs, and security mechanisms.
• Problem-solving skills to tackle complex technical challenges and anticipate vulnerabilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration to work with multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop core anti-cheat technologies within the game engine, focusing on code hardening and client security.
• Integrate and maintain platform security features to defend against cheats.
• Analyze existing cheats with Security Researchers to build protections and detections.
• Apply Windows internals and OS security knowledge to identify vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with the broader development team to ensure effective, performant anti-cheat solutions.
• Debug complex security and performance issues and propose optimal solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with trends in game security, reverse engineering, and cheat development.

Skills

Hacker mindset

Security expertise

C++ skills

Windows internals

Problem solving

Communication & collaboration

Education

B.Sc. in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Job description

March of Giants, Software Development, Montreal

Job Description

The incumbent is responsible for contributing to the mission of the March of Giants anti-cheat team, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for the community. This role focuses on both the prevention and detection of cheating through a dual approach: code hardening and advanced detection.

The incumbent will make the game client more resilient against manipulation by implementing encryption, obfuscation, and platform-level security features. They will also help enhance robust detection systems, including in-game metrics, machine learning, and AI-based methods.

To succeed in this position, the incumbent must combine the skills of a security professional with the mindset of an engine programmer, implementing complex security features directly into the game engine and ensuring seamless integration with the client’s UI and Ubisoft’s online services.

What you’ll do

• Develop and implement core anti-cheat technologies directly within the game engine, focusing on code hardening and client security, and integrating with March of Giantsand Ubisoft online systems.
• Integrate and maintain platform security features to strengthen the game’s defense against cheats.
• Analyze existing cheats in partnership with Security Researchers to understand their functionality and use this knowledge to develop new protections and detection methods.
• Apply your knowledge of Windows internals and operating system security to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with the broader development team to ensure our anti-cheat solutions are effective, performant, and do not negatively impact the player experience.
• Debug complex issues related to game security and performance and propose optimal solutions.
• Stay up to date with the latest trends in game security, reverse engineering, and cheat development to proactively counter emerging threats.

Qualifications

What you bring

• A degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering (or other relevant training)
• A Hacker Mindset: You’re naturally curious and enjoy digging into how things work, and more importantly, how they can be broken.
• Security Expertise: Proven experience in cybersecurity, vulnerability analysis, or a similar field. Knowledge of game protection technologies, including obfuscation, anti-tamper measures, and various forms of detection is highly valued.
• Strong C++ Skills: Proven experience in C++ programming, with a solid understanding of low-level systems, multi-threading, and memory management.
• Windows Internals Knowledge: A deep understanding of Windows operating system architecture, APIs, and security mechanisms.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to solve complex technical challenges and a knack for anticipating potential security vulnerabilities.
• Communication & Collaboration: A collaborative spirit and excellent communication skills to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.