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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Multiplayer team and develop online features for 'Undisputed'.
- Company: Join Steel City Interactive, a passionate team creating the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 23 days leave, private healthcare, and a dog-friendly office with free snacks.
- Why this job: Shape the future of gaming while working in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine, with experience in real-time networking and team leadership.
- Other info: Access to learning resources, wellbeing support, and fun company outings.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
About Steel City Interactive
SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade. SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other. Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.
The Role
We’re currently searching for a proven Lead Network Programmer to join at this exciting point of our journey. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of our debut title “Undisputed”, our million-selling boxing title, and future projects. Online is a vital part of what makes “Undisputed” great, we are looking for a skilled and dedicated Lead Network Programmer to join us as we pivot to UE5, to build your team and a robust, scalable online platform whilst always putting the player's experience first, and to lead the development of our future online features on “Undisputed”.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor the Multiplayer team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Oversee the planning, scoping, and delivery of all Network replication, Matchmaking and Backend Systems to support our Next generation of Fighting Games.
- Ensure high-quality code through best practices and automated testing.
- Liaising with the Gameplay Team to help deliver a Great Multiplayer experience.
- Review and approve technical documentation and architectural decisions.
- Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
- Champion continuous improvement and innovation in Multiplayer development.
- Contribute to the studio’s technical direction and culture of excellence.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Expertise in C++ and Unreal engine 4 or 5.
- Extensive experience of working on real-time networking in video games.
- Passion for all things multiplayer and online, with a drive to deliver a world class user experience.
- Experience mentoring or leading other engineers.
- Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Self-driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
- A genuine passion for games and game development.
- Prior experience in line management or leading engineering teams.
- Familiarity with supporting hybrid teams.
What we offer
- Healthy work-life balance: 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
- Christmas shut down.
- Holiday exchange programme.
- Flexible working hours.
- Support for family life: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay, Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental.
- Great office environment: A dog friendly studio based in Sheffield, with free snacks, fruit and drinks! Free parking.
- Health & wellbeing support: Company sick pay, 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year, Access to 24/7 doctors, Employee Assistance Programme, £300 wellbeing stipend every January.
- Learning support: Learning days, Unlimited access to Udemy courses.
- Additional financial support: Technology scheme (up to £750), Discount Club at over 350 high street stores, Discretionary Cost of Living Payments, Relocation benefits, Electric Car Vehicle Scheme, Discretionary Bonus.
- Connection and perks: Wrap parties & company paid outings, Individual entertainment budget to cover team events.
Lead Network Programmer employer: Steel City Interactive
Contact Detail:
Steel City Interactive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Network Programmer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Unreal Engine 5 and its networking capabilities. Since the role specifically mentions a pivot to UE5, showcasing your knowledge and experience with this engine during discussions can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in leading teams and mentoring other engineers. Steel City Interactive values collaboration, so demonstrating your leadership skills and how you've fostered inclusive environments will resonate well.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your passion for multiplayer gaming and how it influences your work. Being able to articulate your vision for enhancing player experiences in online environments will show that you're aligned with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Steel City Interactive's current projects and their approach to game development. Understanding their culture and technical direction will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate genuine interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Network Programmer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine, as well as your experience with real-time networking in video games. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and your passion for multiplayer gaming.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities of leading a Multiplayer team and your vision for enhancing the online experience in 'Undisputed'.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have worked on relevant projects, especially those involving multiplayer features or network programming, include them in your application. Provide links to your portfolio or GitHub to demonstrate your coding skills and contributions.
Highlight Soft Skills: Steel City Interactive values communication and collaboration. Make sure to highlight your soft skills, such as mentoring abilities and teamwork experience, which are crucial for fostering an inclusive environment within the Multiplayer team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Steel City Interactive
✨Show Your Passion for Gaming
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for video games and game development during the interview. Steel City Interactive values a passion for gaming, especially in relation to their boxing title 'Undisputed'. Share your experiences and what excites you about multiplayer gaming.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with C++ and Unreal Engine 4 or 5 in detail. Highlight specific projects where you've worked on real-time networking and how you ensured high-quality code through best practices. This will show that you have the technical skills needed for the role.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves leading and mentoring a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led engineering teams in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and how you support team members in their growth.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to identify risks and implement mitigation strategies. Think of scenarios from your previous work where you faced challenges in network programming and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and attention to detail.
