Senior Gameplay Programmer (Unreal Engine 5)

TL;DR

Senior Gameplay Programmer (Unreal Engine 5): Designing and maintaining gameplay AI, animation, character physics, and spawning systems in UE5 with an accent on C++ architecture, UE5 Blueprint data-driven development, and multi-platform performance optimization. Focus on building feature ownership end-to-end, leading technical discussions, and mentoring engineers while ensuring build stability with Perforce.

Location: Work from the UK

Company

hirify.global develops AAA games, including Dead Island 2.

What you will do

• Design and maintain gameplay AI, animation, character physics, and character spawning systems in UE5.
• Translate gameplay requirements into technical solutions using C++ and UE5 Blueprint systems.
• Write optimized, well-documented code and take ownership of features from ideation and planning through support and bug fixing.
• Run performance analysis and optimize code for multi-platform stability and efficiency.
• Follow source control best practices (Perforce preferred) to ensure build stability and successful multi-platform compilation.
• Lead technical discussions and mentor junior and mid-level engineers.

Requirements

• Must work from the UK; relocation can be discussed if the role requires frequent on-site work.
• Strong C++ knowledge with maintainable, reusable, well-documented code; familiarity with modern C++ features/patterns (e.g., RAII).
• Unreal Engine 5 knowledge, including best practices for blueprints/UObjects/delegates and experience with navigation systems (recast/detour, navlinks).
• Proficiency with state trees, state machines, EQS, and character movement/physics.
• Experience with software design patterns (state machines, hashmaps, entity-component systems) and performance analysis/optimization.
• Experience with source control systems; Perforce experience is ideal, plus experience mentoring through feedback and guidance.

Culture & Benefits

• Core hours 9:30am–4pm with flexible working for remaining hours.
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK if required.
• Holiday allowance increasing with service (up to 30 days plus statutory public holidays) and annual pay reviews.
• Company pension contributions that increase with service.
• Studio-funded learning and development opportunities and a modern game development environment.
• Subsidised gym membership (Virgin Gym, Nottingham) and regular office treats and cross-team events.

Hiring process

• Transparent recruitment process with reasonable adjustments available during recruitment and onboarding.