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- Tasks: Lead the technical vision and execution of HELIX, our multiplayer game creation framework.
- Company: Join Hypersonic Laboratories, a diverse team building the ultimate open-world multiplayer sandbox.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with 2 days in our Guildford studio and competitive perks.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team shaping the future of gaming with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in game programming, with at least 3 shipped Unreal Engine titles required.
- Other info: This is a hands-on leadership role, perfect for those passionate about empowering others through tech.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
At Hypersonic Laboratories, we are looking for a Lead of Engineering to take technical ownership of HELIX, our in-house open-world multiplayer game creation framework. The role is hybrid, involving 2 days a week at our Guildford, UK studio.
Hypersonic Laboratories is building HELIX, the ultimate open-world multiplayer sandbox. We are a diverse, experienced, international team and have raised $11M from top gaming VCs. We’re seeking an experienced, product-focused technical leader to take charge of the technical vision and execution of HELIX. You’ll operate as a founding engineer or technical cofounder, helping scale our modular, multiplayer-first sandbox framework built on Unreal Engine 5.
This is a hands-on leadership position: you’ll be actively coding while also working closely with production to manage a small core team of engineers and scripters, guiding the development process, and ensuring our systems meet the scale and ambition of our platform.
The ideal candidate would have:
- 10+ years of experience and at least 3 shipped Unreal Engine titles
- Deep Unreal expertise (including networking, plugins, and tools)
- A passion for building powerful and extensible systems
You’ll work directly with leadership to ensure HELIX ships on time, on spec, and with excellence. Responsibilities include:
- Leading and mentoring the engineering team, providing code reviews, technical guidance, and architectural oversight
- Overseeing and implementing systems across gameplay, networking, tooling, UI, online services, backend, and DevOps
- Spearheading the adoption of AI/ML-driven workflows and tooling across the engineering organisation
- Championing engineering culture, team cohesion, and sustainable development practices
- Supporting with hiring to grow the engineering team according to project needs and studio values
Additional qualifications include:
- Strong background in gameplay programming, multiplayer architecture, and online subsystem integrations
- Competence in backend systems, scalable services, and DevOps pipelines
- Proficiency in CI/CD, debugging, and performance optimization
- Familiarity with web technologies (HTML/CSS/JS) for platform or dashboard/launcher related features
- Experience building or contributing to game development tools for teams or communities
You’re excited by ambitious creative tools and believe in enabling others through technology. Ready to join our team as our new Engineering Lead?
Locations
Lead Engineer (Contract) employer: Hypersonic Laboratories
Contact Detail:
Hypersonic Laboratories Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer (Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your hands-on coding experience in Unreal Engine during any discussions or interviews. Highlight specific projects where you've taken technical ownership, as this aligns perfectly with what Hypersonic Laboratories is looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Hypersonic Laboratories on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with building and scaling engineering teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've mentored others and fostered a positive engineering culture, as this is a key aspect of the Lead Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in AI/ML-driven workflows and tooling in game development. Being able to discuss how you can implement these technologies at Hypersonic Laboratories will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach and technical leadership.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your 10+ years of experience in game/engine programming, focusing on your technical leadership roles and the three shipped Unreal Engine titles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your deep expertise in Unreal Engine and relevant technologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for building powerful systems and your experience in leading engineering teams. Mention your familiarity with AI/ML-driven workflows and how you can contribute to the engineering culture at Hypersonic Laboratories.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include a portfolio or links to projects that demonstrate your skills in gameplay programming, multiplayer architecture, and online subsystem integrations. Highlight any contributions to game development tools that align with the role's requirements.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon, making it easy for the hiring team to understand your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hypersonic Laboratories
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Unreal Engine in detail. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented networking, gameplay systems, or custom plugins. This will demonstrate your deep understanding of the engine and its capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored engineers in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering team cohesion and promoting a positive engineering culture.
✨Discuss Your Vision for HELIX
Think about how you would contribute to the technical vision of HELIX. Prepare to articulate your ideas on building scalable systems and adopting AI/ML-driven workflows, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about the company's goals, the development process for HELIX, and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
