Game Systems Engineer - Old School Runescape

Jagex Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development company in the UK is seeking a passionate developer to work on their successful MMO products. The role involves programming with Java and C++, researching game technology, and collaborating with a cross-functional team. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in backend development and a knack for problem-solving. The position offers remote-friendly options and generous perks including private healthcare and flexible working hours.

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

• Proficiency in Java and understanding its ecosystem.
• Experience working as a programmer across the full software development life cycle.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Programming using Java, C++, and other required languages.
• Researching and developing game engine technology.
• Taking ownership of areas of the code base.
• Performing maintenance tasks for internal tools.

Skills

Java

C++

Backend development

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Job description

Location: Cambridge, UK (remote-friendly within the UK) with occasional travel to the office once per quarter.

We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate developers with an attitude to learn, collaborate, aspire, continuously improve, and thoroughly enjoy what they do on a highly successful MMO. If this sounds like you, and you are up for the challenge, then we would love to talk to you.

You'll be working as part of a passionate and cross-disciplinary agile game team, you will be integral to the development and delivery of the Old School RuneScape product roadmap. You will be working closely with our game developers on the game roadmap and larger initiatives like adding a new skill and bringing the game to new audiences.

What you'll be doing:

• Programming using Java, C++ and other languages as required to service assigned tasks.

• Researching, innovating, and developing game engine technology to bring the game to new audiences.

• Working on a variety of projects in the department covering all 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.

• Taking ownership and responsibility for areas of the code base, becoming an expert, looking for improvements and sharing that knowledge with the team.

• Performing maintenance tasks to keep internal tools and build systems working in good order for our internal customers.

• Being proactive in identifying and highlighting dependencies and risks relating to your work, providing mitigation and communicating solutions with stakeholders.

• Providing realistic time estimates for assigned tasks to stakeholders, with tasks broken down to a suitable size.

• Suggesting and championing projects or processes that drive the department tech and team forward.

• Contributing to overall project strategy. Be willing to put forward ideas, and to positively critique those put forward by others.

• Working to familiarise yourself with the product to develop and inform your decision making.

• Building strong working relationships with team members and with other groups across the organisation.

What we're looking for:

• Proficiency in Java and understanding of its ecosystem with experience in Java backend development.

• Experience working as a programmer across the full software development life cycle.

• A passion for innovating solutions and solving problems in a unique technology stack.

• Ability to work well in a team and with others, good communication skills are essential

What we offer:

When you join Jagex you can look forward to a generous Perks & Benefits package including:

• Private Healthcare, including Dental Plan.
• Minimum 6% Pension contributions.
• Employee Assistance Programme & onsite Counselling.
• Life Insurance.
• Discretionary annual performance bonus.
• Enhanced family leave policies from day 1.
• Flexible working hours.
• 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays & the option to buy/sell holidays + so much more!

About Jagex:

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, in Old School Runescape and Runescape, and the open-world survival crafting game, Runescape: Dragonwilds; 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 over 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 drives 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.