Lead Gameplay Programmer - Mobile Games

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,494,000 - 2,490,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Flexible working hours

Health benefits

Professional development

Global team

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading mobile game studio to find a Lead Gameplay Programmer. This fully remote role focuses on architecting core gameplay systems for mobile titles and leading a team of talented programmers across platforms.

You will mentor engineers, optimize performance, and collaborate with designers, artists, and other engineers to deliver polished gameplay experiences on iOS and Android. Strong C++/C# skills and shipped titles are essential.

Qualifications

• You shipped at least one AAA or mobile title in a leadership capacity.
• Strong proficiency in C++ or C# and major engines (Unity/Unreal).
• Experience mentoring a programming team.
• Solid understanding of gameplay mechanics and player experience.
• Remote-work capable with strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of gameplay programmers.
• Architect and implement scalable gameplay systems.
• Collaborate with designers, artists, and engineers to translate concepts into gameplay.
• Write clean, documented C++/C# code for Unity/Unreal engines.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks for mobile devices.
• Develop and maintain gameplay tools and pipelines.
• Participate in code reviews and architectural discussions.
• Stay up-to-date with mobile game development trends.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex gameplay issues.
• Contribute to technical design decisions.

Skills

Gameplay programming

C++

C#

Unity

Unreal Engine

Leadership

Mentoring

Mobile development

Performance optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly successful and innovative mobile game studio, is seeking a talented and motivated Lead Gameplay Programmer to join their dynamic team on a remote basis. This role is essential for architecting and implementing core gameplay systems that define the player experience across multiple platforms. You will lead a team of passionate programmers, guiding them in developing engaging, polished, and performant gameplay mechanics for mobile titles. The ideal candidate possesses a strong command of C++ or C#, extensive experience in game development, and a proven ability to mentor and inspire. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere with a stable internet connection, while contributing to globally recognized mobile gaming franchises.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of gameplay programmers, fostering a collaborative and productive development environment.
• Architect, design, and implement robust and scalable gameplay systems and features.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, artists, and other engineers to translate game design concepts into functional gameplay.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code, primarily in C++ or C# for game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks, ensuring smooth gameplay on a wide range of mobile devices.
• Develop and maintain gameplay tools and pipelines to improve developer efficiency.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to ensure code quality and maintainability.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in game development technologies and mobile platforms.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex programming issues related to gameplay.
• Contribute to technical design discussions and architectural decisions.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Gameplay Programmer, with at least one shipped AAA or successful mobile title in a leadership capacity.
• Strong proficiency in C++ or C# and experience with major game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring a programming team.
• Excellent understanding of gameplay mechanics, game design principles, and player experience.
• Solid grasp of data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design principles.
• Experience with mobile platform development (iOS, Android) and optimization.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Self‑motivated, disciplined, and able to manage time effectively in a remote work environment.

Benefits

• Fully remote position with flexible working hours.
• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Opportunity to shape innovative mobile gaming experiences.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Access to professional development and training resources.
• Work with a talented and passionate global team.