Lead Gameplay Programmer

Epic Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Meal vouchers

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Epic Games in Manchester seeks an experienced Lead Gameplay Programmer to direct gameplay teams within Rocket League. You will lead the gameplay programming team and collaborate with designers, producers, and artists to drive features for Rocket League.

You will translate high‑level requests into actionable work, deliver core gameplay features on time, and help shape the vision for gameplay systems while ensuring code quality and performance across platforms.

Qualifications

• Experience developing gameplay physics systems (simulation, collision, character/vehicle physics).
• Experience with network replication systems (client-server prediction, state synchronization, lag compensation).
• Proven track record delivering live-service games or AAA MMO titles built on Unreal Engine.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of seasoned gameplay programmers and act as the primary hub of communication across disciplines.
• Translate high-level feature requests into actionable work items and delegat e effectively to the team.
• Deliver core gameplay features efficiently and on time, and flag when scope is misaligned.
• Lead the vision for various gameplay systems and implement design and technical directions.
• Propose and review technical designs to ensure robust codebase and performance.
• Collaborate with art and design leads to ensure gameplay mechanics meet requirements and standards.
• Work with other programming disciplines to integrate systems for the player experience.

Skills

Gameplay physics

Network replication

Leadership

C++

Collaboration

AI coding assistants

Gameplay systems

Tools

Unreal Engine

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?

At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.

Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.

ENGINEERING - GAMES

What We Do

Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.

What You'll Do

We are seeking an experienced Lead Gameplay Programmer to direct gameplay teams within Rocket League. They will be responsible for leading the gameplay programming team and collaborating and iterating with gameplay programmers, game designers, producers, and artists. They will play a critical role in feature development for Rocket League.

In this role, you will

• Manage a team of seasoned gameplay programmers and be the primary hub of communication and information for other disciplines
• Distill high-level feature requests into meaningful, actionable work items and delegate effectively to the team
• Deliver core gameplay features efficiently and on time, and speak up when the team is over- or under-scoped
• Lead the vision for different gameplay systems and features and write code and do system design as needed
• Propose and review technical design, systems, and technical approaches to ensure that they satisfy requirements and promote a healthy codebase
• Work closely with art and design leads to ensure gameplay mechanics meet functional requirements and uphold our high standards
• Work closely with other programming disciplines to integrate systems in support of the player experience

What we're looking for

• Experience developing gameplay physics systems (simulation, collision, character/vehicle physics, etc.)
• Experience with network replication systems (client-server prediction, state synchronization, lag compensation)
• Proven track record delivering live-service games or AAA MMO titles built on Unreal Engine
• Proven leadership experience managing high-performing programming teams on shipped AAA titles
• Strong C++ skills and the ability to code and design gameplay mechanics and tools
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to collaborate and communicate to work cross-functionally and give/receive constructive feedback
• Experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., Claude Code) to improve development efficiency and streamline programming workflows

EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE

We pay 100% for benefits for both employees (EEs) and dependents (deps). Our current benefits package includes coverage for medical, dental, and life insurance. We also offer supplemental benefits including daily meal vouchers, and commuter benefits for onsite employees.

ABOUT US

Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.

Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!

Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.