Senior Gameplay Programmer
Senior Gameplay Programmer

Senior Gameplay Programmer

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Drive Capital

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Music team to create engaging music learning experiences using Unity.
  • Company: Duolingo, a leader in innovative language education.
  • Benefits: Comprehensive benefits program and a focus on employee well-being.
  • Other info: Dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in music education while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Strong Unity development experience and a passion for music.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Come join our Music team and help us build the future of music education. We are looking for a Senior gameplay programmer with a Unity background to help us implement our new music course. You will help build the best possible user experience for our learners through high-quality interactive lessons.

About The Role

As a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you will work within Duolingo’s app architecture to integrate Unity and create engaging, data‑driven music learning experiences. You will…

  • Implement the new music course within the Duolingo app using embedded Unity.
  • Productionize the existing prototype, turning it into robust, release‑ready code.
  • Work embedded within the Duolingo app architecture to ensure seamless integration of Unity.
  • Collaborate with designers and product partners to refine the look and feel, ensuring a high‑quality, gamified user experience.
  • Proactively identify issues and opportunities to improve the learner experience.
  • Engage in rapid prototyping to test new music mechanics and interaction models.
  • Ensure technical mistakes or inconsistencies are fixed as quickly as possible.

You have…

  • Strong experience with Unity development (C#), specifically for mobile platforms (iOS/Android).
  • Background in the gaming industry with a portfolio demonstrating high‑quality game feel and polish.
  • Sharp UX instincts and experience implementing complex UI/UX designs.
  • Strong business sense, with proven experience working effectively with multi‑functional team members (e.g. engineers, product, and design).
  • Thrives in a fast‑paced, data‑driven, team‑oriented environment.
  • Strong interest in Duolingo and our mission.

Exceptional candidates will have…

  • Experience embedding Unity as a library (UaaL) into native mobile applications.
  • Background in music, music theory, or audio programming.
  • Experience in web/mobile localization workflows and tools.
  • Familiarity with mobile gaming, with an understanding of game mechanics.

We care for our employees' holistic well‑being with a comprehensive benefits program. Duolingo is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. By applying for this position your data will be processed as per the Duolingo Applicant Privacy Notice.

Senior Gameplay Programmer employer: Drive Capital

At Duolingo, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. As a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you will not only contribute to innovative music education solutions but also benefit from our comprehensive perks and a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and professional development. Join us in shaping the future of learning while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a dynamic tech hub.
Drive Capital

Contact Detail:

Drive Capital Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Gameplay Programmer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming and music education sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your Unity projects, especially those related to mobile platforms. Make sure to include any interactive lessons or gamified experiences you've developed – this will catch our eye!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your UX instincts and coding skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with designers and product teams in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate their teamwork and problem-solving abilities!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission to revolutionise music education. Don’t miss out!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gameplay Programmer

Unity Development
C# Programming
Mobile Development (iOS/Android)
Game Design
UI/UX Design Implementation
Collaboration with Multi-Functional Teams
Rapid Prototyping
Problem Identification and Resolution
Embedding Unity as a Library (UaaL)
Music Theory Knowledge
Audio Programming
Web/Mobile Localization Workflows
Understanding of Game Mechanics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Unity Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with Unity development, especially for mobile platforms. We want to see how you've used C# to create engaging gameplay experiences, so don’t hold back on showcasing your portfolio!

Tailor Your Application: When applying, take a moment to tailor your application to our music education mission. Let us know how your background in gaming and UX can contribute to building high-quality interactive lessons that resonate with learners.

Collaborate Like a Pro: We love teamwork! Mention any past experiences where you’ve collaborated with designers or product partners. Show us how you’ve refined user experiences and tackled challenges together to create something amazing.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Drive Capital

✨Know Your Unity Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your Unity skills, especially with C#. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've implemented complex UI/UX designs. Having a portfolio that showcases your best work will definitely give you an edge!

✨Understand the Music Education Landscape

Familiarise yourself with Duolingo's mission and the current trends in music education. Being able to discuss how your programming skills can enhance the learning experience will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.

✨Collaborate Like a Pro

Since this role involves working closely with designers and product partners, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past to create engaging user experiences.

✨Be Ready for Rapid Prototyping

Expect questions about your approach to rapid prototyping and testing new ideas. Think of specific instances where you've quickly developed and iterated on gameplay mechanics, and be ready to share your thought process during those times.

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