Lead Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5)

TL;DR

Lead Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5): Leading the technical direction and implementation of core gameplay and runtime systems for a third-person tactical shooter on PC with an accent on AI support, combat frameworks, and system scalability. Focus on architecting responsive AI movement, optimizing runtime performance for PC hardware, and establishing engineering best practices in UE5.

Location: Remote in Canada (Pacific-time overlap required)

Salary: $140,000 - $180,000 a year

Company

hirify.global is an independent game studio focused on developing world-class IPs and original creations across multiple genres.

What you will do

• Lead technical direction for core gameplay and runtime systems for a third-person tactical shooter in UE5.
• Architect and maintain AI support, combat frameworks, traversal, movement, and encounter scripting.
• Optimize runtime performance, memory usage, and frame-time stability across various PC hardware.
• Establish engineering best practices, including code review standards, profiling habits, and technical planning.
• Mentor engineers through design reviews and provide day-to-day technical guidance.
• Collaborate with design and animation teams to ensure responsive and maintainable tactical combat systems.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional game development experience with demonstrated technical leadership.
• Strong professional experience with C++ and Unreal Engine (gameplay architecture and optimization).
• Experience shipping complex action, shooter, or AI-heavy gameplay features in a production environment.
• Must be based in Canada.
• Pacific-time overlap required.

Nice to have

• Experience with tactical combat or AI-driven gameplay systems.
• Deep understanding of navigation systems, pathfinding, and spatial reasoning.
• Experience with Mercuna pathfinding middleware.
• Familiarity with UE5 systems like Behavior Trees, EQS, Gameplay Ability System (GAS), and AI Controllers.
• Experience profiling CPU-heavy gameplay and AI systems on PC.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to work on world-class IPs and original creations.
• Remote-friendly work environment for Canada-based talent.
• Creative-fueled and future-driven studio culture.
• Focus on long-term career growth and ability development.