Lead Gameplay Software Engineer

Hidden Levels; North Township (IN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Hidden Levels is seeking a seasoned Lead Gameplay Software Engineer to provide technical leadership for a brand-new IP. You will lead a small team of contributors, shaping gameplay features from concept to ship, and collaborating across design and production using Unreal Engine 5.

You will mentor up to five engineers, drive optimization and tooling improvements, and partner with designers to push the boundaries of gameplay and player experience in a narrative-driven AAA title.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 10 years of experience in gameplay programming and at least two shipped AAA games.
• At least 3 years of management experience including hiring, reviews, career development, coaching and mentoring.
• Strong knowledge of C++ and object-oriented programming.
• Comfortable setting up and maintaining a development environment.
• Proven experience in at least two of the following: core gameplay mechanics, navigation, game AI, camera, player or character controls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and excels at collaborating with team members.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high-quality, efficient gameplay code in UE5 using C++.
• Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration to implement, refine, and deliver unique gameplay features.
• Shape new processes and drive initiatives that improve the state of gameplay technology at the studio.
• Drive technical initiatives that innovate in the design and implementation of gameplay mechanics, traversal, character, camera, AI, player navigation and controls.
• Help debug, optimize, and ensure the stability of the game.
• Manage up to five gameplay engineers, provide technical leadership and help mentor less experienced team members.

Skills

Gameplay programming

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

C++

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Unreal Engine

Job description

About The Studio

The opportunity of a lifetime! Join an exciting, newly‑formed studio that is comprised of industry veterans responsible for one of gaming’s most acclaimed video game series ever. Harbouring an inclusive, diverse development environment in one of Canada’s most prominent gaming hubs, this new gathering of minds will surely take the industry by storm in the coming years.

Ready to make history in gaming?

Responsibilities And Requirements

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Gameplay Software Engineer who is not afraid to rethink the status quo. This is a rare opportunity to work on a brand‑new IP with a small team of dreamers, achievers and pioneers.

In this role, you will provide technical leadership of unique gameplay experiences. This is ideal for someone who has contributed to a wide set of gameplay features and is driven to innovate. A strong candidate will have experience leading cross‑functional development of features from concept to ship involving core mechanics, navigation, camera, player and character controls. They are crafty and content in figuring out the quickest route to unblock themselves and their teammates.

We’re looking for a dynamic, innovative individual who can seamlessly transition between code and design, engage in productive dialogue and is adept at collaborating with a cross‑functional team. If you have a passion for creating a narrative‑driven, AAA game that our audience will love, a keen eye for excellence, and the technical expertise to pop open the hood and get the best out of Unreal Engine 5, we would love to hear from you.

• Develop and maintain high‑quality, efficient gameplay code in UE5 using C++.
• Facilitate effective cross‑functional collaboration to implement, refine, and deliver unique gameplay features.
• Shape new processes and drive initiatives that improve the state of gameplay technology at the studio.
• Drive technical initiatives that innovate in the design and implementation of gameplay mechanics, traversal, character, camera, AI, player navigation and controls.
• Help debug, optimize, and ensure the stability of the game.
• Manage up to five gameplay engineers, provide technical leadership and help mentor less experienced team members.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 10 years of experience in gameplay programming and at least two shipped AAA games.
• At least 3 years of management experience including hiring, reviews, career development, coaching and mentoring.
• Strong knowledge of C++ and object‑oriented programming.
• Comfortable setting up and maintaining a development environment.
• Proven experience in at least two of the following: core gameplay mechanics, navigation, game AI, camera, player or character controls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and excels at collaborating with team members.

Desirable Bonus Skills

• Experience working with Unreal Engine, with prior UE4+ experience highly desirable.
• Strong game design sensibilities and experience working closely with game designers on either gameplay mechanics or character, camera and controls.
• Demonstrated understanding of how to work on modern console hardware architecture including multi‑threaded job systems, memory management and performance targets.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work in a self‑directed manner.
• Portfolio of previous projects showing a range of experience.