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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tech vision and build a high-performing engineering team for a gaming startup.
- Company: Join an early-stage gaming startup focused on immersive multiplayer online experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £120,000+ salary, flexible remote work, and autonomy in shaping technology.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project while staying hands-on with coding and innovation.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in software engineering, strong backend architecture skills, and proficiency in Rust.
- Other info: Applications open for an August start; ideal for ambitious engineers ready for leadership.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 168000 £ per year.
A funded, early-stage gaming startup is on a mission to build the next generation of immersive, large-scale multiplayer online experiences. The focus is on persistent virtual worlds with deep systems, innovative mechanics, and real-time interactivity—all powered by modern, high-performance technology.
With momentum building and a core product in development, the company is now hiring its first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to take ownership of the technology vision and build out the foundations of the engineering function.
The Role
This is a rare opportunity for a highly technical Senior Architect or Principal Engineer ready to step into a CTO role. The successful candidate will work directly with the founders, shape the technical strategy, and play a key role in product development from day one. Unlike traditional CTO positions, this is a hands-on role: ideal for someone who enjoys staying close to the code while also leading architectural decision-making and building a high-performing engineering culture from scratch.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the overall technology strategy
- Design the architecture for a high-concurrency, low-latency MMO platform
- Build and scale real-time backend systems from the ground up
- Lead infrastructure and DevOps decisions (cloud, containers, CI/CD, deployment)
- Collaborate closely with product and design teams to bring features to life
- Hire, mentor and grow an exceptional engineering team over time
- Stay actively involved in coding and technical problem-solving
Experience & Skills Required
- 7+ years of experience in software engineering or technical architecture
- Strong systems-level understanding and backend architecture experience
- Proficiency in Rust or strong interest in becoming deeply proficient
- Experience building infrastructure for multiplayer or real-time applications
- DevOps/cloud-native experience (e.g., AWS/GCP, Kubernetes, Docker)
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Self-driven, with a startup mindset and strong ownership
Bonus Points
- Prior experience in building MMOs or large-scale online games
- Familiarity with ECS patterns, game engines, or networked physics systems
- Interest in immersive tech (VR, AR, virtual spaces)
The Offer
- £120,000+ salary (negotiable based on experience)
- Flexible remote/hybrid setup (UK-based preferred)
- Autonomy to shape the tech vision of a next-gen gaming platform
- Opportunity to build a team and product from the ground up
Applications are now open for an August start. This is an exciting chance for an ambitious engineer to step into a strategic leadership role, while continuing to build, ship, and innovate daily.
CTO - united kingdom employer: Job Traffic
Contact Detail:
Job Traffic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CTO - united kingdom
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your hands-on experience in coding and architecture during any discussions. Since this role is very much about being involved with the code, emphasising your technical skills and recent projects will help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in multiplayer online gaming and immersive technologies. Being able to discuss innovative mechanics or real-time interactivity will demonstrate your passion and understanding of the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the gaming and tech sectors. Engaging with others who have experience in MMO development or CTO roles can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your vision for building a high-performing engineering culture. This role requires leadership, so having a clear strategy on how to mentor and grow a team will be crucial in your conversations.
We think you need these skills to ace CTO - united kingdom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in software engineering and technical architecture. Emphasise your proficiency in Rust and any previous work with multiplayer or real-time applications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gaming and technology. Discuss your vision for the role of CTO and how your background aligns with the company's mission to create immersive online experiences.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this role involves building and mentoring a team, be sure to include examples of your leadership skills. Mention any experience you have in hiring, mentoring, or leading engineering teams.
Showcase Technical Problem-Solving Skills: Provide specific examples of technical challenges you've faced and how you solved them. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to stay close to the code while making architectural decisions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a candidate for the CTO role, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of software engineering and architecture. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've designed high-concurrency systems or built real-time applications, especially in gaming.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Building
This position requires not just technical skills but also strong leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, mentored engineers, and fostered a high-performing culture in previous roles.
✨Align with the Company’s Vision
Research the startup's mission and values thoroughly. During the interview, articulate how your vision for technology aligns with their goals for immersive multiplayer experiences, showcasing your passion for the gaming industry.
✨Prepare for Hands-On Problem Solving
Since this is a hands-on role, be ready to engage in technical discussions or coding challenges. Brush up on relevant technologies like Rust, cloud services, and DevOps practices, as you may need to demonstrate your proficiency during the interview.
