Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop gameplay systems for an exciting AAA first-person shooter in Unreal Engine 5.
- Company: Join a dynamic studio focused on innovative game development.
- Benefits: Fully remote role with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of gaming while mentoring fellow engineers and driving technical excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in gameplay programming and leadership in game development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on creativity and cutting-edge technology.
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 employer: Level Up.
Contact Detail:
Level Up. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Gameplay Programmer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or gaming forums. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to get your name out there. You never know who might have a lead on that Principal Gameplay Programmer role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best gameplay programming projects, especially those using Unreal Engine 5. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions related to gameplay architecture and systems. Practice explaining your thought process and decision-making in past projects. We want to see how you think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t hesitate – your dream job could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Gameplay Programmer
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 and achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a Principal role, it’s important to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others or led technical decisions in past projects. We love seeing how you can guide a team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff – we want the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Level Up.
✨Know Your Unreal Engine 5 Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Unreal Engine 5, especially its gameplay architecture and networking capabilities. Brush up on your knowledge of player mechanics, combat systems, and how to optimise performance for large-scale projects. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past work will really impress the interviewers.
✨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 the past, whether through code reviews or technical guidance. Highlight any successful projects where your leadership made a difference.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some challenging technical questions during the interview. Brush up on coding standards, best practices, and performance optimisation techniques. Practising coding problems related to gameplay systems can help you feel more confident when answering these questions.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role requires close collaboration with various teams, so be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with designers, animators, and AI teams in the past. Share examples of how you translated gameplay vision into robust systems and how you ensured cohesive experiences across disciplines.
