Lead Gameplay Engineer

Lightspeed Studios; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Lightspeed Studios in Irvine, California, is seeking a passionate lead gameplay engineer to develop innovative gameplay content systems and experiences. You will be responsible for guiding a team and collaborating with design and production to manage schedules and optimize gameplay systems.

The ideal candidate has over 7 years of programming experience, especially in C++, and excels in mentoring and leading a dynamic team. If you enjoy creating engaging gameplay and thrive in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional game programming experience.
• Experience managing direct reports.
• Experience performing in a senior or principal software engineering role.

Responsibilities

• Lead a gameplay engineering team to develop innovative gameplay content.
• Manage the gameplay schedule and backlog with design and production.
• Implement and optimize gameplay systems in C/C++.

Skills

Experience working in Unreal Engine

Expert in C++

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to collaborate with other engineers

Deep knowledge of gameplay systems

Passion for creating engaging gameplay

Job description

Responsibilities

• Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences
• Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the gameplay schedule and backlog
• Implement, debug and optimize gameplay systems in C/C++ and other languages
• Author lean, high-performance, maintainable code
• Cultivate strong cross‑disciplinary working relationships based on honesty and transparency among various departments within the studio

Leadership and Management

• Provide technical leadership across multiple gameplay systems and features
• Mentor, develop, and learn from engineering colleagues
• Be a leadership resource for engineers across the entire gameplay team
• Help build and maintain an open and energetic team culture
• Conduct regular one‑on‑one meetings with team members to provide guidance, feedback, and support their professional development
• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of new team members, ensuring a diverse and skilled team that aligns with project requirements
• Facilitate team‑building activities to promote a positive and collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Experience working in Unreal Engine
• Passion and enthusiasm for creating fun and engaging gameplay through iteration and innovation
• Experience bringing multiple large‑scale game titles to completion on PC and consoles
• 7+ years of professional game programming experience
• Experience managing direct reports
• Experience performing in a senior or principal software engineering role or equivalent
• Ability to collaborate with other engineers, designers, artists and other game developers
• Ability to work well in a fluid, changing environment as creative challenges evolve
• Deep knowledge of gameplay systems involving AI, animation, physics, and character‑related systems from engine to game
• Expert in C++, debugging, and 3D mathematics
• Enjoy working closely with creative and technical team members
• Value lean, simple, efficient, well‑tested code
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Preferred: Experience with game console hardware
• Preferred: Understanding of game asset pipelines

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.