Senior Network Engineer - Runescape: Dragonwilds

Jagex; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development studio in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Network Engineer for their new multiplayer game. You will design and maintain network systems, advocate for effective solutions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates should have expertise in C++, online gaming architecture, and Unreal Engine. The role offers remote work flexibility and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Pension contributions

Employee Assistance Programme

Life Insurance

Discretionary annual performance bonus

Flexible working hours

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in designing and building complex network systems for multiplayer games.
• Strong understanding of online gaming systems and backend technologies.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 and network replication.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain network and online systems.
• Select effective technical solutions for networking features.
• Collaborate in teams to deliver high-quality features.
• Test, debug, and optimize network code for performance.
• Identify technical risks and propose solutions.

Skills

Network systems design

Online gaming systems

C++ proficiency

Unreal Engine 5

Profiling and optimization

Scalable systems design

Collaboration and communication

Job description

Location: Cambridge, UK – (Remote available within the UK with team onsite days in the Cambridge office approx. 4 times per year)

Are you an experienced Network, Multiplayer or Online Engineer ready to help build the backbone of the newest multiplayer game in the RuneScape Franchise?

As a Senior Network Engineer on RuneScape: Dragonwilds, our new open-world survival crafting game, you’ll help shape the architecture and feature set that powers the online experience for our players.

You’ll be hands-on with Unreal Engine 5, working on multiplayer systems, dedicated servers, cloud-based services, and cross-platform integration. You’ll collaborate across disciplines to design robust, scalable systems and take ownership of the game’s networking layer, ensuring that every player interaction feels seamless and secure.

If you're passionate about online technology, enjoy solving complex problems, and want to be part of a creative and ambitious team, this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

What you’ll be doing:

• Design, implement, and maintain network and online systems including multiplayer code, bandwidth management, dedicated servers, platform services, databases, and cloud-based microservices.
• Select and advocate for the most effective technical solutions, pipelines, and architectures for networking and online features.
• Collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and artists in strike teams to deliver high-quality features.
• Test, debug, and optimise network code to ensure stability and performance across platforms.
• Identify technical risks and propose solutions to address complex online gameplay challenges.
• Drive excellence in development practices and help mentor engineers across the team.
• Contribute to the growth of the team through recruitment and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven expertise in designing and building complex network systems for multiplayer games.
• Strong understanding of online gaming systems, multiplayer architecture, and backend technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of C++ and comfort applying your experience with complementary languages like C# or Python.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 and hands-on experience with network replication and server-client architecture.
• Skilled in profiling and optimisation, particularly in bandwidth usage, latency handling, and connection stability.
• Strong understanding of scalable system design, including microservices, databases, and telemetry.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with experience working in remote and cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable working independently and taking full ownership of networking domains within a project.

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.