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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Multiplayer team and develop online features for 'Undisputed'.
- Company: Join Steel City Interactive, a passionate team creating the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 23 days leave, private healthcare, and a dog-friendly office with free snacks.
- Why this job: Shape the future of gaming while working in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine, with experience in real-time networking and team leadership.
- Other info: Access to learning resources, wellbeing support, and fun company outings.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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’re currently searching for a proven Lead Network Programmer to join at this exciting point of our journey. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of our debut title “Undisputed”, our million-selling boxing title, and future projects. Online is a vital part of what makes “Undisputed” great, we are looking for a skilled and dedicated Lead Network Programmer to join us as we pivot to UE5, to build your team and a robust, scalable online platform whilst always putting the player's experience first, and to lead the development of our future online features on “Undisputed”.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor the Multiplayer team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Oversee the planning, scoping, and delivery of all Network replication, Matchmaking and Backend Systems to support our Next generation of Fighting Games.
- Ensure high-quality code through best practices and automated testing.
- Liaising Gameplay Team to help deliver a Great Multiplayer experience.
- Review and approve technical documentation and architectural decisions.
- Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
- Champion continuous improvement and innovation in Multiplayer development.
- Contribute to the studio’s technical direction and culture of excellence.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Expertise in C++ and Unreal engine 4 or 5
- Extensive experience of working on real-time networking in video games
- Passion for all things multiplayer and online, with a drive to deliver a world class user experience
- Experience mentoring or leading other engineers.
- Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Self-driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
- A genuine passion for games and game development.
- Prior experience in line management or leading engineering teams.
- Familiarity with supporting hybrid teams.
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
Lead Network Programmer employer: Steel City Interactive
Contact Detail:
Steel City Interactive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Network Programmer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Unreal Engine 5 and its networking capabilities. Since the role involves leading the development of online features, showcasing your understanding of UE5's architecture and how it can enhance multiplayer experiences will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the gaming community, especially those focused on multiplayer and networking. Participating in forums or attending industry events can help you network with professionals who might provide insights or connections that could benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in leading teams and mentoring engineers. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and innovation in past projects, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for gaming and multiplayer experiences during any interviews or discussions. Being able to articulate why you love games and how that drives your work will resonate well with the team at Steel City Interactive.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Network Programmer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine, as well as your experience with real-time networking in video games. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and your passion for multiplayer gaming.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities of leading a Multiplayer team and your vision for enhancing the online experience in 'Undisputed'.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include links or descriptions of previous projects where you led network programming or contributed to multiplayer features. Highlight any innovative solutions you implemented and the impact they had on user experience.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your technical documentation skills shine through by presenting clear and concise information.
How to prepare for a job interview at Steel City Interactive
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Lead Network Programmer, it's crucial to demonstrate your expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine 4 or 5. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented real-time networking solutions, and highlight any challenges you overcame.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
Since the role involves leading and mentoring a team, share examples of your previous leadership experiences. Discuss how you've fostered collaboration and inclusivity within your teams, and how you approach mentoring junior engineers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to network replication, matchmaking, and backend systems. Brush up on best practices in software architecture and be ready to explain your thought process when making architectural decisions.
✨Express Your Passion for Gaming
Steel City Interactive values a genuine passion for games and game development. Share your enthusiasm for multiplayer experiences and discuss any personal projects or games that inspire you, especially in the context of boxing or fighting games.
