Senior Full-Stack Game Developer - Engine Focus

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 2,003,000 - 3,005,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Full-Stack Game Developer with a strong emphasis on engine development to join a remote-first team. You will design and maintain core engine systems, develop gameplay frameworks, and contribute to backend services across PC, consoles, and mobile.

The role requires deep knowledge of C++, Unreal Engine or Unity, 3D graphics, real-time rendering, and distributed systems. You will mentor juniors, optimize performance, and help shape the technical direction of

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a game developer with engine programming focus.
• Proficient in C++ with Unreal/Unity experience.
• Strong understanding of 3D graphics, physics, and real-time rendering.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain core game engine systems (rendering, physics, AI, networking).
• Develop gameplay frameworks to support diverse genres.
• Build backend services, databases, and multiplayer infrastructure.
• Write clean, efficient C++ code and collaborate with artists/designers.
• Profile and optimize performance across PC/console/mobile.
• Mentor junior developers and participate in code reviews.
• Stay current with game development tech and best practices.

Skills

Extensive game development experience

C++ proficiency

Game engine experience (Unreal/Unity)

3D graphics/real-time rendering

Backend services and cloud platforms

Network programming

Problem solving and analytical mindset

Remote collaboration

Communication and teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly innovative game development studio, is seeking a talented Senior Full-Stack Game Developer with a strong emphasis on engine development to join their remote-first team. This role is critical for building and maintaining the core systems that power our next-generation games. You will be involved in a wide range of tasks, from core engine architecture and gameplay framework development to implementing backend services and optimizing performance across multiple platforms. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of C++, game engine architecture, and distributed systems, coupled with a passion for creating robust, scalable, and performant game experiences. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence the technical direction of ambitious gaming projects from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain core game engine systems, including rendering, physics, AI, and networking.
• Develop and optimize gameplay frameworks and systems to support diverse game genres.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of backend services, databases, and multiplayer infrastructure.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C++ and other relevant languages.
• Collaborate with artists, designers, and other engineers to integrate features and solve technical challenges.
• Profile and optimize game performance across various target platforms (PC, consoles, mobile).
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of development tools and workflows.
• Mentor junior developers and participate in code reviews.
• Stay current with advancements in game development technology and best practices.
• Ensure the stability and scalability of game services and infrastructure.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Game Developer, with a significant focus on engine programming and systems development.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Solid understanding of 3D graphics, physics, and real-time rendering techniques.
• Experience with backend development, including server architecture, databases (e.g., SQL, NoSQL), and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Familiarity with network programming and multiplayer game architecture.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative team environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience with other programming languages (e.g., C#, Python) is a plus.

Benefits

Join a forward-thinking, remote-first game studio recognized for its creative excellence and technical innovation. Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a flexible work environment. You will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with a talented and passionate team, shaping the future of interactive entertainment. We foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development, offering ample growth opportunities for our employees, regardless of their location.