Systems Engineer (Principal/Lead)

TL;DR

Systems Engineer (Principal/Lead) (System Engineering): Shaping and optimizing core engine systems for a competitive multiplayer game using Unity/DOTS with an accent on performance, memory management, and platform-specific optimization. Focus on leading technical decisions, mentoring senior engineers, and building scalable engine infrastructure for PC and consoles.

Location: Hybrid, Irvine, California, United States

Salary: $237,500 - $290,000

Company

hirify.global is an independent game development studio creating the original IP Arkheron, a fast-paced competitive PVP game set in a surreal dark fantasy world.

What you will do

• Shape architecture, optimize, and evolve core engine systems in Unity/DOTS (C# and C/C++) covering performance, memory, networking, graphics, and tooling.
• Drive complex technical decisions across console performance and low-level systems architecture to ensure scalability for developers and players.
• Collaborate with internal and external leads to advance engine platform capabilities including console features, anti-cheat, and workflows.
• Work on high-impact projects like optimizing iteration pipelines, building profiling systems, and enhancing runtime systems such as rendering and netcode.
• Create tools and APIs to improve developer productivity and content delivery speed.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to senior engineering teams fostering autonomy and growth.

Requirements

• Location: Must be based in or able to work hybrid in Irvine, California, United States
• Experience shipping multiple titles with technical leadership on proprietary or heavily modified AAA game engines for PC and consoles.
• Proven expertise in building and optimizing systems for competitive multiplayer games with focus on responsiveness and player experience.
• Deep knowledge of high-performance real-time systems, multithreaded architecture, and ECS paradigms.
• Lead role requires experience mentoring and leading senior engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills in debugging, profiling, and low-level optimizations in live service environments.

Nice to have

• Passion for technology and creative game development process.
• Adaptability and eagerness to dive into new areas and unfamiliar code.
• Collaborative mindset valuing trust and diverse perspectives.

Culture & Benefits

• Independent studio with team-driven decisions and no investor interference.
• Culture of passion, trust, and shared ownership with transparency and low ego.
• Daily play of Arkheron to stay grounded as players and continuously improve the game.