Senior Gameplay Programmer, Game Prototypes in Canada Creek, Nova Scotia at Jobgether
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Job Description
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Gameplay Programmer, Game Prototypes based in Canada.
This is a senior-level opportunity to help shape the gameplay foundations of an ambitious game incubation team.
You’ll build and refine gameplay systems across a diverse portfolio of prototypes and genres.
The role combines hands-on engineering with strong gameplay instincts and close collaboration with designers.
You’ll work extensively with Unreal Engine 5, C++, Blueprints, custom tools, and generative AI to test ideas quickly.
Your work will help define experiences across emerging platforms, including cloud streaming and innovative input technologies.
The environment is highly iterative, agile, and prototype-focused, with opportunities to influence projects from early concepts through polished implementation.
You’ll join a collaborative team that values experimentation, technical excellence, thoughtful design, and exceptional player experiences.
- Build gameplay systems across a rotating portfolio of prototypes spanning multiple genres, audiences, and platforms, adapting engineering approaches to each project's specific needs.
- Own complex gameplay features from initial prototype through polished implementation, delivering reliable, maintainable, and well-architected code.
- Translate design concepts into functional and engaging gameplay systems using Unreal Engine 5, C++, Blueprints, generative AI, and custom development tools.
- Partner closely with designers to shape mechanics and systems, balancing technical feasibility with gameplay quality and helping teams identify what makes each experience compelling.
- Profile, optimize, debug, and improve code and game content to maintain strong performance across cloud-streamed TV experiences and other target platforms.
- Collaborate with artists, designers, producers, and engineers to integrate features effectively, participate in code reviews, and maintain clear technical documentation and functional tests.
- Adapt quickly as prototype scope, priorities, and creative direction evolve, applying sound judgment to determine the appropriate level of quality and technical investment for each stage of development.
- Communicate progress, technical challenges, and decisions clearly while contributing proactively to planning and timely delivery.
- Proven experience as a Gameplay Programmer or Gameplay Engineer, with experience prototyping and shipping at least two game titles across varied genres and a strong focus on player experience.
- Extensive hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5, including strong C++ programming and Blueprint implementation skills.
- Excellent technical foundations in C++, optimization, mathematics, debugging, and gameplay systems engineering.
- Strong gameplay and design sensibilities, with the ability to collaborate with designers and articulate the mechanics and systems that contribute to an engaging player experience.
- Demonstrated ability to develop complex features end-to-end and produce reliable, maintainable code within fast and highly iterative development cycles.
- Experience working effectively in prototype-first environments where requirements, scope, and direction can change rapidly.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-engineering disciplines.
- Broad knowledge and enthusiasm for games, with informed perspectives on gameplay quality, genre conventions, player engagement, and game feel.
- Strong judgment in choosing appropriate technical approaches for both rapid prototypes and production-ready features.
- Highly organized, proactive, adaptable, and committed to effective task planning and timely delivery.
- A resume is required, and portfolio or relevant game development examples are welcomed.
- Ability to work remotely from Canada, travel occasionally for work-related events, and align with a team schedule oriented toward Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Annual compensation range of CAD $140,000–$250,000, with compensation determined based on role, market factors, skills, background, and experience.
- Flexible compensation structure allowing employees to determine annually how much of their compensation they receive through salary versus stock options.
- Comprehensive supplemental health and dental coverage.
- Mental health support and wellness resources.
- RRSP retirement plan with employer matching.
- Stock option program.
- Disability coverage and life and serious injury benefits.
- Family-forming benefits.
- Paid leave of absence programs.
- Flexible time off for full-time salaried employees.
- Fully remote position within Canada, with flexibility designed around a collaborative development environment.
- Opportunities to work on innovative game prototypes across multiple genres and emerging gaming platforms.
- An inclusive, collaborative environment focused on experimentation, learning, technical excellence, and meaningful player experiences.