Senior/lead Gameplay Programmer in United States at Jobgether

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Contract Senior/Lead Gameplay Programmer in the United States.

This role offers the opportunity to shape high-impact gameplay systems for a fast-growing, globally recognized interactive entertainment franchise. You will work across gameplay engineering, AI, UI-driven mechanics, and engine-level systems within Unreal Engine 5, contributing directly to immersive player experiences. The environment is highly collaborative, blending creative iteration with strong engineering discipline, where rapid prototyping and polished execution go hand in hand. You will help transform design concepts into responsive, engaging, and technically robust gameplay features. This is a senior-level contract position with significant ownership and autonomy over core gameplay architecture. You will partner closely with designers, artists, and engineers to deliver memorable interactive moments at scale. The work is fast-paced, highly creative, and focused on shipping high-quality player experiences.

• Lead the design and implementation of end-to-end gameplay systems, including player mechanics, AI behaviors, interactive sequences, and core combat or puzzle logic, ensuring systems are scalable, maintainable, and performant in production environments.
• Collaborate closely with design and engineering teams to translate feature specifications into robust technical implementations using Unreal Engine 5, including gameplay frameworks such as input, animation systems, physics, and AI toolsets.
• Architect and optimize backend gameplay systems including state management, networking considerations, and performance tuning using tools like C++, Blueprints, and engine subsystems.
• Develop and extend core gameplay infrastructure such as abilities, interactions, and systemic behaviors while ensuring clean integration across frontend and backend systems.
• Debug, profile, and refactor complex systems, ensuring stability and performance across multiple platforms and gameplay scenarios.
• Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and design reviews, contributing to RFCs and shaping long-term architectural decisions.
• Work within Unreal Engine 5 to implement systems leveraging tools such as animation graphs, behavior trees, physics systems, and asynchronous processing workflows.

Requirements:

• 6+ years of professional game development experience with at least 2 shipped titles, ideally using Unreal Engine, including hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Unreal Blueprints, with the ability to design and implement production-quality gameplay systems and engine-integrated features.
• Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine subsystems including AI (Behavior Trees, State Trees, EQS), animation systems, physics, input handling, and gameplay frameworks such as GAS.
• Strong understanding of 3D mathematics including vectors, transforms, and linear algebra as applied to gameplay and simulation systems.
• Experience taking gameplay features from design documentation through full implementation, testing, optimization, and shipping.
• Strong debugging, profiling, and system analysis skills with the ability to resolve complex engine-level and gameplay issues.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate creative design intent into technical execution across disciplines.
• Experience working in fast-paced, iterative environments with strong ownership mindset and adaptability.

Benefits:

• Competitive contract compensation with potential bonus structures depending on scope and performance
• Fully remote work environment across the United States
• Flexible working arrangements with autonomy over daily schedule
• Opportunity to work on high-impact, widely recognized interactive entertainment experiences
• Collaborative, creative engineering culture focused on shipping and iteration
• Exposure to advanced Unreal Engine 5 systems and large-scale gameplay architecture
• Opportunity to influence core gameplay direction and technical decisions