Principal Engineer

Ubisoft Reflections; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading gaming company is looking for a Game Developer to join their engineering team in Newcastle. The role involves leading engine-driven projects, optimizing game engines, and mentoring junior engineers. Ideal candidates will have proven experience with commercial game engines (like Unreal or Unity), strong C++ and Python skills, and the ability to work collaboratively. This position offers hybrid working options and a comprehensive benefits package focused on your wellbeing and career development.

Benefits

Generous leave package

Employer-contributed pension

Flexible working options

Access to online courses

Annual flexible benefits allowance

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a game developer or engine engineer with commercial engines.
• Good skills in C++, Python, and Lua scripting.
• Demonstrable track record of toolchain integration and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead engine-driven projects from concept to delivery.
• Implement robust systems to automate workflows.
• Collaborate across teams to deliver cohesive solutions.

Skills

C++

Python

Lua

Game engine development

Systems thinking

Stakeholder management

Collaboration

Education

Degree in a STEM field

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

Job Description

Join a fast-moving, outcome-driven engineering team that builds high-quality simulations and real-time experiences using commercial and proprietary game engines. You'll shape how we exploit, extend, and integrate engines to solve complex systems problems, influence product roadmaps, and mentor engineers across disciplines.

What You Will Do

• Lead engine-driven projects from concept through delivery, building demos, bespoke tools, and integrated simulations.
• Exploit and extend game and simulation engines to meet performance, quality, and interoperability goals.
• Design and implement robust systems using C++, Python, and Lua to automate workflows and integrate third‑party tools.
• Drive engine maintenance and optimisation, including profiling, memory and CPU tuning, and platform‑specific improvements.
• Collaborate across disciplines with software teams, systems engineers, Human Factors designers and IT to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Rapidly prototype and iterate, turning experimental ideas into validated features and production‑ready components.
• Mentor and document knowledge, run workshops, and support junior engineers to raise team capability.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a game developer, engine engineer, or simulation engineer working with commercial game engines (Unreal, Unity or similar).
• Good C++ skills and practical experience with Python and Lua scripting.
• Demonstrable track record of engine exploitation profiling, optimisation, custom module/plugin development, and toolchain integration.
• Systems thinking – designing solutions that consider performance, maintainability and operational constraints.
• Experience with rapid prototyping, iterative design and stakeholder‑driven development.
• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to translate user needs into technical requirements.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Desirable

• Degree in a STEM field, ideally to Masters level.
• Experience with animation pipelines, 3D modelling or content creation workflows.
• Familiarity with HLA, DIS or other simulation interoperability standards.
• Background in UX/HMI design or human‑in‑the‑loop simulation.
• Prior experience working on security‑cleared or regulated projects.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). All successful applicants must be eligible for full security clearance and access to UK‑controlled and ITAR‑controlled information.

Why Join Us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance.

Benefits

• Generous leave package with flexible days.
• Employer‑contributed pension up to 15%.
• Access to mental health support, financial advice and inclusive employee networks.
• Bonus scheme for management level and below.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Referral programme with financial reward.
• Flexible working – hybrid options and part‑time possibilities.
• Annual flexible benefits allowance for private healthcare, dental, family cover, technology and lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

Location & Employment

Primary Location: Edinburgh, UK.
Additional Location: Newcastle, UK.
Contract Type: Permanent, Hybrid Working.