At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small team to develop a narrative deck builder for PC using Unity.
- Company: Join an award-winning indie studio with a passion for high-quality games.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, creative freedom, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team focused on innovation and quality.
- Why this job: Make your mark on an exciting project and collaborate with talented developers.
- Qualifications: Experience in Unity/C# and a proven track record in game development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Are you a Senior or Lead Unity Programmer who enjoys writing clean code over navigating corporate red tape? Dream Reality Interactive, an award-winning indie studio founded by former Sony PlayStation London Studio leadership, is looking for a Lead Programmer to own the technical architecture of our new, fully funded narrative deck builder for PC (Steam). Come and join a small, highly experienced team with a massive passion for making high-quality games that players obsess over. No fluff, just a focus on solid mechanics and a polished Steam release.
The Details
- Location: Remote (London, UK base) with ad-hoc team days
- Contract Type: Contract
- Start Date: June 1st, 2026
What You’ll Do
- As our technical lead, you will manage a highly capable, small engineering team while remaining hands-on with the codebase. You will have the autonomy to set the technical standard and keep development moving forward.
- Architecture: Build and scale the core systems, including card logic, turn-based state machines, and deck management.
- Leadership: Manage and mentor the programming team, conduct code reviews, and ensure a scalable codebase.
- Custom Tooling: Build robust tools that empower our design team to tweak card balance without needing a developer every time.
- Steam Integration: Oversee the implementation of Steamworks (achievements, cloud saves, etc.) and ensure Steam Deck verification.
- Refinement: Collaborate closely with Art and Design leads to ensure the game looks, feels, and plays flawlessly on PC.
What You Bring
- Unity/C# Expertise: You have successfully shipped at least one PC title as a Lead or Senior Programmer.
- Systems Thinking: You know how to build a scalable, bulletproof rule engine that won't break when we expand to 500+ game cards.
- Technical Chops: Strong experience with Unity’s UI systems, Addressables, platform support, and proven release management.
- PC Focus: You understand exactly what a Steam audience expects: high-res support, rebindable keys, and optimized performance.
- Good Taste & Directness: You know when to build custom and when it’s smart to use an Asset Store plugin. You prefer clean code over engineering and clear communication over corporate speak.
Why Work With Us?
Founded in 2016, we are a tight-knit team of diverse, veteran developers. We offer a highly social, flexible working environment where you have the freedom to be your best self. If you want to leave the fuss behind and make the best game of your career alongside a talented and ambitious crew, you belong here.
How to Apply
Ready to build an awesome indie game? Apply directly via Linkedin with a brief cover note and a link to your portfolio/GitHub or email us at hello@drihq.com. Important if emailing in: Please include 'Lead Programmer' in the subject line of your email.
Lead Software Engineer employer: Dream Reality Interactive
Dream Reality Interactive is an exceptional employer for those seeking a meaningful role in game development. With a focus on creativity and innovation, our remote team fosters a collaborative and flexible work culture that empowers you to excel while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join us to lead a passionate group of developers in crafting high-quality games that resonate with players, all while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the gaming industry, especially those who might know someone at Dream Reality Interactive. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have a portfolio or GitHub, make sure it’s up-to-date with your best work. Highlight projects that showcase your Unity/C# expertise and any relevant experience with PC titles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your approach to building scalable systems and how you’ve led teams in the past. We love candidates who can communicate clearly and directly!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Don’t forget to include a brief cover note that reflects your passion for game development and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your Unity and C# expertise in your application. We want to see the projects you've worked on, so don’t hold back on sharing your portfolio or GitHub link!
Keep It Clean and Direct:Just like we value clean code, we appreciate clear communication. Keep your cover note concise and to the point, showcasing your passion for game development without any fluff.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to our specific needs. Mention your experience with PC titles and how you can contribute to building a scalable rule engine for our narrative deck builder.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website or via email. Remember to include 'Lead Programmer' in the subject line if you're emailing us, so we can easily spot your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dream Reality Interactive
✨Know Your Code Inside Out
As a Lead Software Engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in Unity and C#. Make sure you can discuss your previous projects in detail, especially the technical challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Be ready to showcase your clean coding practices and any innovative solutions you've implemented.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've mentored junior developers or led a project. Highlight your experience with code reviews and how you ensure a scalable codebase, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Game Development Process
Familiarise yourself with the entire game development pipeline, especially how programming interacts with art and design. Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with other leads to ensure a polished final product. This shows that you’re not just a coder but a team player who values the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some technical questions or even coding challenges during the interview. Brush up on your knowledge of card logic, turn-based state machines, and Steam integration. Practising common algorithms and data structures can also help you feel more confident when tackling these questions.
