Intermediate Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5)

Blackbird Interactive Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 76,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackbird Interactive is a remote-first studio seeking an Intermediate Software Engineer to build gameplay and engine systems for a new Unreal Engine 5 game. You will work on core gameplay, multiplayer, UI, and performance, collaborating across design, art and audio teams.

Requirements include 3+ years in C++ with Unreal Engine 4/5, a BSc in CS or related field, and a shipped commercial game. This Canada-based, remote-friendly role requires Pacific-time overlap and familiarity with Perforce or

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience using C++ in Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
• Shipped at least one commercial game featuring gameplay contributions.
• Passion for prototyping, polish, and tight player control and feedback loops.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement player-facing systems such as movement, traversal, interactions, and progression using C++ and Blueprints.
• Create modular, data-driven gameplay systems that scale across PC and other platforms.
• Collaborate with design, animation, and audio teams to prototype mechanics and tune feel through playtesting.
• Profile and optimize gameplay systems to meet performance and memory budgets and improve stability through testing and debugging.
• Mentor associate engineers and share best practices through code reviews and lightweight guidance.

Skills

C++

Unreal Engine

Gameplay systems

Profiling

Education

BSc in Computer Science

Tools

Perforce

Git

Job description

Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects, which encompass world-class IPs as well as our own creations across multiple genres.

Our studio operates as a remote-first workplace, offering flexible work arrangements.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, we are only able to hire candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada and reside within Canada.

We are looking for an Intermediate Software Engineer to build various gameplay and engine systems for a new original game being developed in Unreal Engine 5. You will work across core gameplay systems, multiplayer and networking, UI support, and other systems essential to delivering a polished, performant and fun experience. This role is remote-friendly in Canada with Pacific-time overlap required.

Responsibilities

• Core Gameplay Features – Design and implement player-facing systems such as movement, traversal, interactions, and progression using C++ and Blueprints.
• System Design & Architecture – Create modular, data-driven gameplay systems that support rapid iteration and scale across PC and other platforms.
• Cross-disciplinary Collaboration – Work closely with design, animation, and audio teams to prototype mechanics, tune feel, and refine experiences through playtesting.
• Performance & Stability – Profile and optimize gameplay systems to meet performance and memory budgets, and contribute to stability through testing and debugging.
• Technical Mentorship – Share gameplay engineering best practices through code reviews and informal mentorship of associate engineers.
• Continuous Improvement – Stay up to date with UE5 subsystems (GAS, MassEntity, Chaos), propose tooling or workflow improvements, and help drive internal knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Have 3+ years of professional experience using C++ in Unreal Engine 4 or 5, with a strong focus on gameplay systems.
• Hold a BSc in Computer Science or a college diploma in software engineering, game programming, or a closely related field.
• Have shipped at least one commercial game featuring your gameplay contributions.
• Are passionate about prototyping, polish, and tight player control and feedback loops.
• Communicate clearly and value cross-functional collaboration.
• Are comfortable with Perforce, Git, or similar version control systems and modern profiling/debugging tools.

Pluses

• Experience working on VR platforms, particularly with performance optimization and player input
• Experience with Gameplay Ability System, MassEntity, or Chaos physics.
• Contributions to improving build pipelines, CI, or automated gameplay testing.
• Passion for accessibility, player expression, and inclusive game mechanics.

$108,000 - $132,000 a year