Programming - (Various Disciplines) - Talent Pool (APAC)

Side; Auckland; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Side is seeking a skilled game engineer to design and optimize gameplay systems, play a key role in tool development, and ensure seamless player experiences within multiplayer frameworks. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate art and design effectively, optimizing performance throughout.

The ideal candidate must have at least 3 years of experience, proficiency in languages such as C++ or C#, and a passion for game development.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in engineering roles in games or related tech fields.
• Shipped at least one title across platforms (PC, console, mobile, VR/AR).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize gameplay systems and AI behaviors.
• Develop tools for content creators and QA teams.
• Implement networking and multiplayer architecture.

Skills

C++

C#

Python

Unity

Unreal Engine

Tools

Source Control

Debugging Tools

Performance Profiling

Job description

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize gameplay systems, AI behaviors, animation pipelines, or core engine architecture.
• Develop and maintain tools that empower content creators, designers, and QA teams.
• Contribute to Live Ops, build pipelines, or deployment systems for scalable and stable game delivery.
• Implement and refine networking, multiplayer architecture, or backend services for seamless player experiences.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams to ensure smooth integration of art, design, and systems.
• Profile and optimize performance, memory usage, and load times across platforms.
• Troubleshoot bugs, resolve bottlenecks, and propose clean, maintainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience
  • 3 or more years of professional experience in engineering roles in games or related tech fields.
  • Shipped at least one title on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR.
  • Experience in one or more areas such as gameplay, AI, tools, systems, engine, animation tech, backend services, cloud, or DevOps.
• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in C++, C#, Python, or equivalent languages.
  • Hands‑on experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, or proprietary engines.
  • Familiarity with source control, debugging tools, performance profiling, and agile workflows.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Comfortable working in cross‑functional teams with artists, designers, and producers.
  • Clear written and verbal communication for documenting and sharing technical solutions.
• Mindset
  • Proactive, curious, and solution‑oriented.
  • Passionate about games, scalable systems, and collaborative development.
• Preferred Skills
  • Experience with AAA pipelines, real‑time rendering, or platform certification.
  • Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Familiarity with Live Ops strategies, telemetry, and remote content deployment.
  • Prior co‑dev experience or working with distributed teams.
• Only resumes submitted in English will be considered.