At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and improve features for Avakin Life, a game enjoyed by millions.
- Company: Lockwood, a dynamic studio with a start-up mindset.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, pension plan, work from home, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in game development.
- Qualifications: Programming experience, understanding of C# and Unity, and a passion for games.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: UK, Remote
Team: Engineering
Reports to: Lead Engineer
Product: Avakin Life (Live Service Mobile Game)
Build Games Played by Millions
Everyone starts somewhere. At Lockwood, we think and move like a start-up - and we're at the forefront of AI-driven development in games. We're looking for curious, ambitious developers who want to learn fast, solve interesting problems and help build games enjoyed by millions of players around the world. You don't need years of commercial experience. What matters most is your attitude, your curiosity and your passion for making great games. If you enjoy building things, ask great questions and want to grow alongside an experienced team, we'd love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
As a Junior Programmer, you'll work alongside experienced engineers to help build, improve and support Avakin Life, one of the world's leading social mobile games. From day one you'll contribute to real features, fix real problems and learn how live-service games are developed and operated - with structured support, regular feedback and plenty of room to grow.
What You'll Do:
- Build great experiences
- Develop new features alongside experienced programmers
- Fix bugs and improve existing systems
- Write clean, readable and maintainable code
- Learn every day
- Ask questions and actively seek feedback
- Develop your skills through mentoring and hands-on experience
- Build confidence working within a large, shared codebase
Collaborate across the studio:
- Work closely with designers, artists, QA and producers
- Share ideas, communicate your progress and support your teammates
Work smarter:
- Use AI tools responsibly to accelerate learning, explore solutions and improve code quality
- Bring curiosity about emerging tools alongside strong engineering fundamentals
Requirements
What We're Looking For:
- A genuine passion for games and building great experiences
- Programming experience through education, personal projects, game jams or self-directed learning
- A good understanding of C# and Unity fundamentals
- Curiosity about AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot or ChatGPT
- A proactive mindset, good communication skills and a collaborative approach
Bonus points if you have:
- Built or released a personal game or app
- Experience using Git or another version control system
- Experience developing for mobile platforms or an understanding of live-service games
- Participated in game jams or collaborative projects
Benefits:
- Private Healthcare Plan
- Pension Plan
- Life Assurance
- Work From Home
- Training & Development
- Employee Assistance Programme
Why Join Lockwood?
We're a studio with a start-up mindset and a game played by millions - which means you get real ownership and real impact from day one. You'll be trusted to contribute, encouraged to experiment and supported as you grow your technical and professional skills. Great ideas can come from anyone here, and we're building a culture where curiosity, entrepreneurship and continuous improvement are part of everyday life.
Junior Software Engineer (Speculative) employer: Lockwood Publishing
At Lockwood, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that champions creativity and collaboration in the exciting realm of digital fashion. Our vibrant work culture encourages experimentation and continuous learning, providing employees with the opportunity to influence the future of virtual fashion while working alongside talented artists and developers. With a focus on personal growth and the integration of cutting-edge AI tools, we offer a unique environment where your passion for fashion can thrive and make a meaningful impact on millions of players worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Software Engineer (Speculative)
✨Join Developer Communities
Get involved in online developer communities like GitHub or Stack Overflow. We can showcase our skills by contributing to open-source projects – it’s a great way to network, learn, and possibly catch the eye of a recruiter while doing something we love!
✨Attend Coding Meetups and Hackathons
Check out local coding meetups and hackathons. These events are fantastic for meeting other developers and potential employers, plus they're a great way to get some hands-on experience and showcase our problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Set Up a Public Portfolio
We should create a public portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing our projects and code. This not only demonstrates our technical skills but also gives employers a peek into our creative process and problem-solving abilities.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If we're fresh out of uni, let's not forget about our university’s career services! They often have tailored resources and connections in the software development field. Plus, internships can lead to entry-level roles – a true win-win!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Software Engineer (Speculative)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Coding Skills:As this is an entry-level role in software engineering development, make sure to include your coding projects. Whether it's a cool school project, a personal website, or even contributions to open-source, it all counts! Link to your GitHub or any platforms you've showcased your code on – we want to see what you've got!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make your CV work for you by focusing on the programming languages and frameworks you've learned. If you've dabbled in JavaScript, Python, or any specific frameworks, be sure to include those. Plus, showcasing any relevant coursework or certifications can really help us get a clearer picture of your skill set.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:Since you're applying for an entry-level position, your cover letter is your chance to shine. Tell us why you’re passionate about software engineering and what excites you about working with Lockwood Publishing. Highlight any internships or projects that shaped your interest in coding – it’s all about your motivation!
Use Your Network:Don't hesitate to mention any connections you might have to Lockwood Publishing in your application. If you know someone who works there or have attended any events they hosted, slip that into your cover letter. It shows your genuine interest and can give you that extra edge in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lockwood Publishing
✨Know Your Code: Prepare for Technical Questions
For a role in software engineering, you can bet your Interviewer might throw some coding problems your way. Brush up on common algorithms and data structures, and practise coding on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. That way, you're ready to showcase your problem-solving skills confidently!
✨Portfolio Power: Show Off Your Projects
As an entry-level candidate, your portfolio is your secret weapon. Make sure you have a few solid projects on GitHub that demonstrate your coding skills and understanding of software development processes. Be ready to walk through your code and explain your thought process during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Agile and Development Tools
Understanding Agile methodologies can really set you apart from other entry-level candidates. Get familiar with tools like JIRA or Trello, and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in your projects or studies. This shows you're not just a coder but also a team player.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Mindset
Since you're applying for an entry-level position, it's important to show your eagerness to learn. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in your studies or projects, what new skills you’ve picked up recently, and how you plan to continue developing in this fast-paced field.
