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- Tasks: Lead and develop gameplay systems for a cutting-edge AAA game in Unreal Engine 5.
- Company: Remote-first gaming studio focused on innovative gameplay experiences.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of gaming while mentoring fellow developers in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in gameplay programming and leadership roles.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating immersive gaming experiences.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is completely remote and offering a B2B contract.
We are seeking an experienced Principal Gameplay Programmer to provide technical leadership and hands-on development for a AAA first-person extraction shooter in Unreal Engine 5. This role is responsible for defining gameplay architecture, guiding technical direction across combat and systems, and ensuring scalable, high-performance gameplay code that supports long-term live development.
You will work closely with Design, Animation, AI, Network, and Production to shape moment-to-moment gameplay while mentoring senior and mid-level engineers.
Key Responsibilities- Gameplay Architecture & Leadership
- Define and own the gameplay programming architecture for a large-scale UE5 project.
- Establish best practices for gameplay systems, coding standards, and performance.
- Lead technical decision-making for player mechanics, combat systems, and systemic gameplay.
- Mentor and support gameplay engineers, providing code reviews and technical guidance.
- Core Gameplay Systems
- Design and implement high-quality first-person gameplay systems, such as:
- Player movement and traversal
- Weapon handling, shooting mechanics, recoil, and ballistics
- Health, damage, armor, and progression systems
- Inventory, looting, and extraction mechanics
- Ensure gameplay feels responsive, readable, and competitive.
- Networking & Multiplayer
- Architect and implement network-ready gameplay systems using UE5’s networking model.
- Ensure gameplay code is deterministic, performant, and secure.
- Collaborate with online and backend teams to support persistence and live services.
- Performance & Optimization
- Profile and optimize gameplay systems for CPU, memory, and network performance.
- Ensure gameplay code scales to large maps, high player counts, and long sessions.
- Identify and resolve systemic technical risks early in development.
- Cross-Discipline Collaboration
- Partner closely with Designers to translate gameplay vision into robust systems.
- Work with Animation and Technical Animation to support animation-driven gameplay.
- Collaborate with AI, VFX, and Audio teams to deliver cohesive combat experiences.
This studio is searching for someone who has principal or leadership experience and is comfortable operating as a hands-on developer on a brand new IP.
If this sounds like something of interest, please reach out to me at michael@levelupgaming.io with your CV.
Principal Gameplay Programmer in Nottingham employer: Level Up.
Contact Detail:
Level Up. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Gameplay Programmer in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or gaming forums. Share your passion for gameplay programming and ask for advice or insights about the role. You never know who might have a lead on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work in Unreal Engine 5. Include projects that highlight your gameplay architecture and systems design. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding gameplay mechanics. Practice explaining your thought process while solving problems, as this will demonstrate your leadership and mentoring abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Gameplay Programmer in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Unreal Engine 5 and gameplay programming. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this role involves mentoring and technical leadership, include examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We love seeing how you’ve guided others and made impactful decisions.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your skills and experiences that relate to the job.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Level Up.
✨Know Your Unreal Engine 5 Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Unreal Engine 5 skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific gameplay systems you've developed, especially around player mechanics and networking. Having concrete examples will show your technical prowess and understanding of the engine.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and guiding other engineers, be prepared to share your experiences in leadership. Talk about how you've supported your team in past projects, established coding standards, or made technical decisions that improved gameplay architecture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during the interview. Brush up on performance optimisation techniques and be ready to explain how you've tackled challenges related to CPU, memory, and network performance in previous projects.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role requires cross-discipline collaboration, so highlight your experience working with designers, animators, and AI teams. Be ready to discuss how you’ve translated gameplay vision into robust systems and how you ensure cohesive experiences across different departments.
