Game Systems Engineer

Jagex Ltd.; Hartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online game developer is seeking a skilled software engineer to enhance and maintain their game engine and systems. You will work collaboratively with a talented team, utilizing your expertise in C++ and Java to develop innovative game features. The ideal candidate will have a strong problem-solving mindset, experience with game systems, and a keen eye for detail. Join a dynamic company committed to player-first design and an inclusive workplace where creativity thrives.

Benefits

Private healthcare, including dental plan

Minimum 6% pension contributions

Employee assistance programme

Life insurance

Discretionary annual performance bonus

Enhanced family leave policies

Flexible working hours

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of an object-oriented language (preferably C++).
• Familiarity with design patterns.
• Experience with established code bases.

Responsibilities

• Programming using the team's core languages.
• Work with production members to generate tasks and documentation.
• Take ownership of areas of the code base.
• Assess and adapt new technologies.

Skills

C++

Java

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Strong maths skills

Debugging skills

Version control systems (GIT, Perforce)

Game systems experience

Live service game experience

Job description

As part of the RuneScape Game Technologies Team you will be working on the operation and ongoing enhancement of the RuneScape game engine and associated systems, developing game systems that provide value to our customers and allow the product content developers to produce features.

Responsibilities

• Programming using the team's core and other languages as required to service assigned and scheduled tasks.
• Work with production and senior members of the team to generate tasks and documentation detailing code design approach and implementation. Aid the test process by writing QA instructions and develop & update code‑tests where applicable.
• Work on a variety of projects in the department covering various aspects of the group's technological domain, making good use of support tools (e.g. Profiler, debugger, code‑analysis tools) to ensure your code is of high quality.
• Take ownership and responsibility for some areas of the code base, becoming an expert, looking for improvements and sharing that knowledge with the team.
• Assess new technologies and adapt to and promote them where applicable.
• Perform maintenance tasks to keep internal processes and systems working in good order for other developers and for our internal customers.
• Provide realistic time estimates for assigned tasks to stakeholders, with tasks broken down to a suitable size and tracked according to current production process (e.g. Jira, sprints, etc.).
• Always aim to work efficiently and productively, striving for the most optimal ways to deliver value to our customers.
• Be willing to put forward ideas that can improve our technology or processes, and to positively critique those put forward by others.
• Build strong working relationships with team members across various disciplines.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of an object-oriented language (preferably C++), design and design patterns.
• Experience with Java.
• Experience working on established code bases.
• Analytical mind and strong problem‑solving skills.
• Strong maths skills and experience.
• Solid debugging and profiling skills.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g. GIT, Perforce).
• Experience with game systems.
• Experience working on a live service game.

Desirable

• Mobile game development experience.
• Experience with Python.

Company Overview

Jagex is a leader in developing and publishing deep, engaging online games that connect millions of players worldwide. Best known for the RuneScape franchise, which includes two of the world's longest running and most successful MMORPGs—Old School RuneScape and RuneScape—as well as the open‑world survival crafting game, RuneScape: DragonWars, we have proven success in delivering immersive Forever Games and fostering strong player communities.

We strive to foster an inclusive workplace built on trust, autonomy, and a shared passion for creating forever games. Our values guide everything we do: We embrace fellowship by collaborating and sharing openly; we hone our craft by always learning and improving; we honour our vows by being honest and transparent; we are our customers' heroes by striving to understand our team & player needs, and we seize the day by making the most of every opportunity. With over two decades of experience and more than 400 people in our team, we continue to innovate in live game development, leveraging data‑driven insights, and a commitment to player‑first game design. We have a diverse and talented team where creativity, collaboration, and community‑driven game development drive everything we do.

As part of Jagex, you'll have the opportunity to work on a globally successful franchise, contribute to exciting new projects, and be part of a company that hugely values both our employees and our players. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and we recruit, develop, and promote based on merit and ability. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know when you're invited to interview.

Benefits & Perks

• Private healthcare, including dental plan.
• Minimum 6% pension contributions.
• Employee assistance programme and onsite counselling.
• Life insurance.
• Discretionary annual performance bonus.
• Enhanced family leave policies from day one.
• Flexible working hours.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays & the option to buy/sell holidays.