Senior C++ Game Programmer (Unreal Engine)

RocketWerkz; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development studio in Auckland is seeking a Senior C++ Game Programmer to join their ICARUS team. This role requires over 6 years of game development experience, specifically with Unreal Engine, to rapidly prototype systems and develop core gameplay mechanics. The ideal candidate will have a passion for gaming, strong skills in Unreal Engine Blueprints, and excellent communication abilities. The studio offers a vibrant work environment and encourages diverse applications. The salary range is NZD 90-140k.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of game programming or relevant game development experience.
• Strong understanding of Unreal Engine Blueprints.
• Ideally a published game built with Unreal Engine.

Responsibilities

• Rapidly prototype game systems using Unreal Engine.
• Develop core gameplay systems such as combat and exploration.
• Work closely with core programming and game design teams.

Skills

Unreal Engine Blueprints

C++ implementation in Unreal Engine

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

Unreal Engine

Jira

Confluence

Job description

SENIOR C++ GAME PROGRAMMER (Unreal Engine) // ICARUS

Auckland | NZD 90-140k Salary range | Game Development
APPLICATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY 22 MARCH 2026

A bit about us…

RocketWerkz is an ambitious PC video games studio based on Auckland’s waterfront in New Zealand. Founded by Dean Hall, creator of hit survival game DayZ, we are independently-run but have the backing of one of the world’s largest games companies. Our open‑world simulation and survival games Icarus and Stationeers are out on Steam, and we have multiple projects in development including Kitten Space Agency.

Icarus needs you!

As a Senior Game Programmer C++ you’ll be a key member of the ICARUS team. ICARUS is a complex systems‑driven sandbox open‑world PC survival game made in Unreal Engine 4.27. It has sold over three million units and we have published an update every single week without fail since 2021. We need an experienced Unreal Engine developer to join the team, learn our existing systems and help us keep adding new content and gameplay for years to come.

A day in the life…

Every day at Rocketwerkz is different, but here are a few things you can expect to do in your role:

• Rapidly prototype game systems and gameplay using Unreal Engine 4.27 (Blueprints and/or C++ depending on which is best for the task).
• Develop core gameplay systems – combat, exploration, inventory, and more.
• Polish them, refine them, make them feel good.
• Continuously adapt code in response to gameplay feedback.
• Work closely with the core programming and game design teams.
• Understand and contribute to the project as a whole.
• Use Unreal Engine 4, Jira, and Confluence.
• Manage your workload and work hours in consultation with the wider team.

We are looking for people passionate not only about making games but also about sharing them with the player community and continually improving them. We welcome a great portfolio and practical experience as much as academic qualifications.

To get this all done, we’d like you to have:

• 6+ years game programming or relevant game development experience.
• Ideally a published game built with Unreal Engine.
• Strong understanding of Unreal Engine Blueprints.

We’d love it if you also have:

• Knowledge of C++ implementation in Unreal Engine 4.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Tertiary qualification (Computer Science, Software Engineering, or similar) or equivalent industry experience.
• 100+ hours playing open‑world or survival games ;-)

We think life at Rocketwerkz is pretty awesome, check out the perks and benefits of joining us here.

If you're passionate about working in the gaming industry and think you have the qualifications, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement listed in this job description. We believe that having a diverse team is crucial to our success, and we welcome applications from individuals regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, or any other aspect of your culture or identity.

Hit Apply and if you’re the right fit we’ll be in touch to schedule a chat. Our recruitment process usually involves an online chat, a visit to our studio, maybe a paid art test or programming test and reference checks.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY 22 MARCH 2026