Lead Software Engineer

Dream Reality Interactive; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dream Reality Interactive is seeking a Lead Programmer to own the technical architecture of their new narrative deck builder game for PC. You will lead a small, dedicated team while ensuring the game meets high-quality standards. Responsibilities include managing codebase development, implementing Steam integration, and collaborating with Art and Design to create an engaging user experience. Ideal candidates have strong Unity/C# skills and experience in leadership roles within game development.

Qualifications

• Experience with leading small engineering teams in game development.
• Expertise in Unity's UI systems and Addressables.
• Strong understanding of PC game performance and player expectations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the programming team while being hands-on with the codebase.
• Build and scale core systems for the game.
• Oversee Steamworks implementation and game optimization.

Skills

Unity/C#

Technical leadership

Steamworks integration

Systems thinking

PC optimization

Clean code

Job description

Are you a Senior or Lead Unity Programmer who enjoys writing clean code over navigating corporate red tape? Dream Reality Interactive, an award winning indie studio, is looking for a Lead Programmer to own the technical architecture of our new, fully funded narrative deck builder for PC (Steam). Come and join a small, highly experienced team with a massive passion for making high‑quality games that players obsess over. No fluff, just a focus on solid mechanics and a polished Steam release.

The Details

• Location: Remote (London, UK base) with ad‑hoc team days
• Contract Type: Contract

What You’ll Do

As our technical lead, you will manage a highly capable, small engineering team while remaining hands‑on with the codebase. You will have the autonomy to set the technical standard and keep development moving forward.

• Architecture: Build and scale the core systems, including card logic, turn‑based state machines, and deck management.
• Leadership: Manage and mentor the programming team, conduct code reviews, and ensure a scalable codebase.
• Custom Tooling: Build robust tools that empower our design team to tweak card balance without needing a developer every time.
• Steam Integration: Oversee the implementation of Steamworks (achievements, cloud saves, etc.) and ensure Steam Deck verification.
• Refinement: Collaborate closely with Art and Design leads to ensure the game looks, feels, and plays flawlessly on PC.
• Unity/C# Expertise: You have successfully shipped at least one PC title as a Lead or Senior Programmer.
• Systems Thinking: You know how to build a scalable, bulletproof rule engine that won't break when we expand to 500+ game cards.
• Technical Chops: Strong experience with Unity’s UI systems, Addressables, platform support, and proven release management.
• PC Focus: You understand exactly what a Steam audience expects: high‑res support, rebindable keys, and optimized performance.
• Good Taste & Directness: You know when to build custom and when it’s smart to use an Asset Store plugin. You prefer clean code over engineering and clear communication over corporate speak.