Principal Generalist Engineer UE4/5
Principal Generalist Engineer UE4/5

Principal Generalist Engineer UE4/5

Sheffield Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to architect and implement core game systems for an exciting boxing title.
  • Company: Steel City Interactive is passionate about creating authentic video games, especially in the boxing genre.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 23 days annual leave, and a dog-friendly office with free snacks!
  • Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project in UE5 and shape the future of gaming with your expertise.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine, with experience in shipping AAA titles required.
  • Other info: Hybrid or remote work options may be available for outstanding candidates.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

About Steel City Interactive

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade. SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other. Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.

The Role

We are seeking a Principal Engineer, a generalist, to be a core part of a small but experienced team on Undisputed as we pivot to UE5. It’s a chance to get in at the early stages and set-up the shape and direction we take. You will be responsible for authoring core game systems and getting the project started on a strong foundation. You're likely to have a hand in a broad range of disciplines, your role evolving into a key senior voice in a growing team. You’ll work very closely with studio leadership, the various teams to prototype, iterate, evolve and polish gameplay elements to the highest quality possible.

Responsibilities

  • Work with the Studio Technical Director and the early team to set-up the project in UE5
  • Architect and implement foundational game systems (e.g., input, save/load, streaming, memory management, performance profiling, etc.) for a new AAA console title.
  • Collaborate with technical leadership to define the game’s technical vision and ensure alignment with project goals.
  • Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and development workflows across the engineering team.
  • Prototype and evaluate new technologies and tools to improve development efficiency and game performance.
  • Mentor and support junior and mid-level programmers, fostering a culture of learning and technical excellence.
  • Work cross-functionally with design, animation, and art teams to ensure seamless integration of gameplay features and systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • Previous experience in shipping AAA titles
  • Expert-level proficiency in C++ and deep understanding of Unreal Engine, ideally UE5 (including Gameplay Framework, Blueprints, and Engine subsystems).
  • Proven experience in architecting game systems and leading technical direction on large-scale projects.
  • Strong understanding of console development pipelines, memory/performance constraints, and platform-specific requirements.
  • Excellent debugging, profiling, and optimization skills.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills, with a collaborative mindset.
  • Passion for delivering a world class player experience.

What we offer

  • Healthy work-life balance: 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
  • Christmas shut down
  • Holiday exchange programme
  • Flexible working hours
  • Support for family life: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay, Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental
  • Great office environment: A dog friendly studio based in Sheffield, with free snacks, fruit and drinks! Free parking
  • Health & wellbeing support: Company sick pay, 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year, Access to 24/7 doctors, Employee Assistance Programme, £300 wellbeing stipend every January
  • Learning support: Learning days, Unlimited access to Udemy courses
  • Additional financial support: Technology scheme (up to £750), Discount Club at over 350 high street stores, Discretionary Cost of Living Payments, Relocation benefits, Electric Car Vehicle Scheme, Discretionary Bonus
  • Connection and perks: Wrap parties & company paid outings, Individual entertainment budget to cover team events

To apply please send your CV to simon.pittam@amiqus.com - SCI Exclusive Recruiter

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Contact Detail:

Steel City Interactive Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Generalist Engineer UE4/5

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Unreal Engine 5 and its features, especially the Gameplay Framework and Blueprints. This will not only help you understand the technical requirements of the role but also allow you to speak confidently about your experience during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your previous experience in shipping AAA titles by preparing specific examples of your contributions. Be ready to discuss how you architected game systems and led technical direction on past projects, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Principal Engineer role.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees of Steel City Interactive through platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your mentoring experiences with junior programmers. Highlighting your leadership skills and collaborative mindset will resonate well with the studio's emphasis on fostering a culture of learning and technical excellence.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Generalist Engineer UE4/5

Expert-level proficiency in C++
Deep understanding of Unreal Engine 5
Experience with Gameplay Framework and Blueprints
Architecting game systems
Leading technical direction on large-scale projects
Strong understanding of console development pipelines
Memory and performance optimisation skills
Excellent debugging and profiling abilities
Strong communication and leadership skills
Collaborative mindset
Ability to mentor junior and mid-level programmers
Prototyping and evaluating new technologies
Establishing coding standards and best practices
Cross-functional collaboration with design, animation, and art teams

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Unreal Engine, particularly UE5, and showcases your proficiency in C++. Emphasise any previous work on AAA titles and your role in architecting game systems.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for video games and boxing. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Principal Engineer role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to 'Undisputed'.

Showcase Relevant Projects: Include a portfolio or links to projects that demonstrate your technical expertise and leadership in game development. Highlight any specific contributions you made to past projects, especially those involving gameplay frameworks and performance optimisation.

Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you send your application to the specified email address (simon.pittam@amiqus.com) and double-check that all required documents are attached. A well-organised application shows attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Steel City Interactive

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience with C++ and Unreal Engine, particularly UE5. Highlight specific projects where you've architected game systems or led technical direction, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.

✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills

Since the role involves working closely with various teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with designers, animators, and artists in past projects. This will show that you can integrate gameplay features seamlessly.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect questions that assess your debugging, profiling, and optimisation skills. Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them, showcasing your analytical thinking.

✨Express Your Passion for Gaming

Steel City Interactive values a passion for delivering a world-class player experience. Share your enthusiasm for video games and boxing, and how this drives your work. This personal touch can set you apart from other candidates.

Principal Generalist Engineer UE4/5
Steel City Interactive
Location: Sheffield
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