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- Tasks: Design and optimise network systems for an exciting multiplayer boxing game.
- Company: Join Steel City Interactive, a passionate team creating the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, private healthcare, and a dog-friendly studio with free snacks.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of gaming with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in gameplay network programming and a passion for games is essential.
- Other info: Healthy work-life balance with 23 days annual leave and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract Manager: Providing Permanent & Contractor / Freelancer Recruitment Solutions to the Games Industry
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
You are an experienced Gameplay Network Engineer, having worked on fast-paced multiplayer titles such as FPS games or similar genres within Unreal Engine, where you demonstrated expertise in optimizing network replication patterns at the transport layer to ensure seamless, low-latency gameplay for competitive environments.
We\\\’re looking for an Intermediate/Senior Gameplay Network Engineer to help shape the future of our multiplayer boxing game, ‘Undisputed’. As we pivot to UE5, you’ll be responsible for developing and optimizing network systems to ensure reliable, high-performance data transmission for fast-response gameplay between two players, maintaining AAA fidelity in a competitive multiplayer context.
You will be working in collaboration with a highly talented, diverse team to create world-class networked gameplay.
Location: Sheffield (Hybrid / Monthly visit) or Leamington Spa (Hybrid / Monthly visit)
Visa sponsorship / transfer isn\\\’t available on this occasion
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain network systems for our game, focusing on Unreal Engine’s replication framework to ensure reliable and efficient data transmission for two-player boxing matches.
- Optimize network packet transportation at the transport layer, minimizing latency and bandwidth usage for critical gameplay elements like character movements, player-to-player interactions, and physics-based world interactions.
- Collaborate with gameplay and server teams to integrate networked systems with character physics and animation pipelines, ensuring synchronized states across clients.
- Implement and refine replication patterns, such as prioritized data, delta compression, and predictive systems, to support fast-paced, responsive multiplayer gameplay.
- Debug and resolve network-related issues, including desyncs, packet loss, and latency spikes, using profiling tools and network debugging techniques.
- Prototype new networked features, such as lag compensation or rollback to enhance the multiplayer experience.
- Optimize network performance for cross-platform play (consoles and PC), ensuring scalability and reliability under varying network conditions.
- Contribute to code reviews, best practices, and documentation for the networking and gameplay teams.
- Stay current with Unreal Engine networking updates and emerging multiplayer technologies.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in gameplay network programming, particularly for multiplayer titles like FPS or melee-combat focused games.
- Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine’s networking architecture, including replication, RPCs, and transport layer data optimization.
- Experience with C++ and Unreal Engine 4 or 5 networking pipelines and tools.
- Strong understanding of network protocols (e.g., UDP, TCP) and techniques for optimizing data sent over the wire in real-time games.
- Proven experience with network debugging, profiling, and performance optimization for low-latency gameplay.
- Strong understanding of 3D maths, data structures, and multiplayer synchronization techniques.
- 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.
- Experience with rollback netcode is a bonus.
- Experience of Character AI Systems a bonus.
What we offer
- Healthy work-life balance: 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increases with service.
- Christmas shutdown
- Holiday exchange programme
- Flexible working hours & pattern (Certain Hybrid models available)
Benefits and support
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
- Private healthcare including optical & dental
- Dog-friendly studio in Sheffield with free snacks, fruit and drinks
- Free parking
- Company sick pay
- 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year
- Access to 24/7 doctors
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Technology scheme (up to £750)
- Discretionary Cost of Living Payments
- Relocation benefits (subject to eligibility)
- Electric Car Vehicle Scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Discretionary Bonus
Contact
CVs to simon.pittam@amiqus.com – SCI Exclusive Recruiter
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Engineering and Information Technology
- Industries: Computer Games
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Network Programmer employer: Steel City Interactive
Contact Detail:
Steel City Interactive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Programmer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend gaming events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable these connections can be when it comes to landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your network programming projects, especially those related to multiplayer games. We love seeing what you can do, and it gives you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Unreal Engine’s networking architecture. We recommend practicing common coding challenges and discussing your thought process out loud during mock interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to help shape the future of gaming, just like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Network Programmer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Network Programmer role. Highlight your experience with Unreal Engine and multiplayer titles, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in network optimization and debugging!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for gaming and explain why you’re excited about working on ‘Undisputed’. Let us know how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team.
Show Off Your Projects: If you’ve worked on any relevant projects, make sure to include them! Whether it’s a personal project or something from a previous job, we want to see how you’ve tackled network programming challenges.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Steel City Interactive
✨Know Your Networking Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Unreal Engine's networking architecture. Be ready to discuss replication, RPCs, and how you optimise data transmission. They’ll want to see that you can talk the talk when it comes to low-latency gameplay.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've debugged network issues in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced, like desyncs or latency spikes, and how you resolved them. This will show your potential employer that you can handle real-world problems.
✨Get Familiar with Their Game
Play ‘Undisputed’ if you can! Understanding the game mechanics and what makes it tick will give you a leg up. You’ll be able to speak directly to how your skills can enhance their multiplayer experience, which is a big plus.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since this role involves working closely with diverse teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve integrated network systems with gameplay elements in previous projects.
