Lead Gameplay Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5)

Blackbird Interactive; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A video game development studio in Vancouver is seeking a Gameplay Engineer to lead the implementation of gameplay mechanics and optimize game performance using Unreal Engine 5. The role requires at least 7 years of experience in game development, with a focus on collaboration and mentoring. This position offers a flexible work environment with opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

Salary up to $165,000 per year

Permanent four-day work week

Career advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of professional game-development experience with at least one shipped AA/AAA title in a leadership role.
• Proficiency in delivering production-quality C++ in Unreal Engine 5.
• Strong communication skills to foster collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and iterate on gameplay mechanics and AI behaviors.
• Build modular, data-driven gameplay frameworks for PC and console.
• Guide and mentor a team of gameplay engineers.

Skills

C++

Unreal Engine 5

Team leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Perforce

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Employer Industry: Video Game Development Studio

Why consider this job opportunity:

• Salary up to $165,000 per year
• Opportunity for career advancement and mentorship within the organization
• Permanent four-day work week
• Flexible work arrangements: in-studio, remote within Canada, or hybrid
• Chance to work on innovative projects using Unreal Engine 5
• Collaborative and creative work environment

What to Expect (Job Responsibilities):

• Architect, implement, and iterate on gameplay mechanics, AI behaviors, and progression systems in C++ and Blueprints
• Build modular, data-driven gameplay frameworks that perform across PC and console platforms
• Guide and mentor a team of gameplay engineers, defining coding standards and performing code reviews
• Collaborate with design, art, and audio teams to translate concepts into shippable features
• Establish profiling targets and drive optimization initiatives for game performance and stability

What is Required (Qualifications):

• Minimum of 7 years of professional game-development experience and at least one shipped AA/AAA title in a leadership role
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Proficiency in delivering production-quality C++ in Unreal Engine 5
• Strong communication skills to foster collaboration across disciplines
• Familiarity with Perforce, Git, modern debugging/profiling tools, and CI/CD pipelines

How to Stand Out (Preferred Qualifications):

• Expertise with the Gameplay Ability System, Replication graph, Nanite, and/or Lumen
• Proven experience in improving build pipelines, automated testing, or live-ops telemetry for gameplay code

We prioritize candidate privacy and champion equal-opportunity employment. Central to our mission is our partnership with companies that share this commitment. We aim to foster a fair, transparent, and secure hiring environment for all.