Principal Gameplay Engineer (Unreal Engine)

TL;DR

Principal Gameplay Engineer (Unreal Engine): Delivering robust, maintainable, high-quality code across complex, interconnected gameplay and engine systems with an accent on architectural guidance and technical leadership. Focus on identifying and solving complex technical risks, driving performance improvements, and mentoring engineers.

Location: Onsite in Guildford, UK. Sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.

Company

hirify.global Games have produced some of the most recognisable and compelling storytelling titles in the world of AAA games, including Until Dawn, The Dark Pictures Anthology, and The Quarry.

What you will do

• Act as a leading technical expert, delivering robust, high-quality code across complex gameplay and engine systems.
• Tackle unique technical challenges and guide architectural decisions within Unreal Actor/Component systems and GAS.
• Identify and solve complex technical risks, ensuring reliability, performance, and long-term stability.
• Drive improvements to performance, profiling, workflows, tools, and engineering practices.
• Collaborate closely with design, art, production, and technical leadership.
• Mentor and develop engineers, raising technical standards and supporting growth.

Requirements

• Familiarity with replication/networking and physics in a live setting.
• Core Unreal Actor and Component structure including GAS is fundamental.
• Knowledge of sequencer and sequencer-based workflows.
• Expertise in profiling (Insights, CSV) and LLM optimisation for performance.
• Unreal Engine game feature plugin structure and core engine architecture understanding.

Nice to have

• Experience with Gen9, Gen8, PC and mobile cross-platform development.

Culture & Benefits

• 25 Days Annual Leave (including studio closure for end-of-year break).
• Private Medical Insurance (BUPA) and Medicash assistance (including dental and optician support).
• Life Assurance (6 x annual salary) and Pension Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Income Protection.
• Enhanced Family Leave (maternity and paternity pay).